Syriana

Exactly the kind of film that pontificates on a very pertinent and topical subject but in a completely uninteresting way. Too many plot lines that somehow fit together in the end, but at the same time cause almost certain viewer death. As a political study of international relations focusing on the oil industry, this could work quite well. It's too convoluted a subject for a feature film which is also portrayed in an extremely unimaginative way. [50%] (07/02/2022)

Everything is connected. The problem with Syriana lies not in the topic, nor in the actors, nor in it the fact that it is so uninteresting. And definitely not in the fact that Stephen Gaghan demands from his viewers a certain amount of knowledge and desire to get right inside this movie. The only, unfortunately fundamental, problem with Syriana is that it doesn’t seem like a movie. Gaghan couldn’t define his priorities and tries to put everything into this. Which is very damaging for the movie, because despite how outstanding some of the storylines are, others are simply boring. On the other hand, these rather mixed feelings about the movie are made up for by the perfect ending. As a screenwriter, Stephen Gaghan has a lot to say, but as a director he doesn’t (yet) know how to present things like a regular movie experience with all the trimmings. (17/07/2007)

I could start with the question of why screenwriters and directors insert so many film clichés into films - it is simply because they are proven and effective. Syriana is a case of a film that systematically avoids clichés, and so many film fans have a problem with it despite its undeniable film qualities and message. You can argue a hundred times that a film like Gomorrah depicts the real world of the mafia and, on the other hand, famous mafia films like The Godfather and others are actually fairy tales for adults, but for most film viewers, Gomorrah will be indigestible due to its down-to-earth nature and disillusionment. While most films are deliberately focused on creating an impact to achieve maximum commercial success, Syriana deliberately avoids being flashy, and it doesn't make it any easier for film viewers because it juxtaposes several storylines that intersect only in the very end and includes a canvas with numerous characters in which anyone can get lost. Even scenes of torture or action conflicts are not filmed to shock or squeeze out emotions, they simply observe the development of events from a distance. It is definitely not a boring film - for example, the scene of the car convoy assassination, where the viewer eagerly awaits the inevitable second by second, can rivet their eyes to the movie screen or the monitor. It's truly not a film for everyone, and fans of popcorn flicks probably won't appreciate Syriana, but it more than satisfied me with its analytical perspective on the cynical world of the oil trade. Overall impression: 80%. (06/03/2011)

Mature in its opinions, Syriana is an intelligent political thriller involving the business machinations carried out among oil tycoons. However, most of the connections escape ordinary viewers (i.e. those who are not familiar with the given issue) and only the decent atmosphere, the cast and the impressive ending are memorable. (19/02/2006)

The Middle East and the East further beyond the Persian Gulf continue to be very pressing issues that afflict the population and, of course, politicians. How to respond to the terrorist threat, what tools to use? And what about the people, our own people, who have done quite dirty work for the government but are becoming at least inconvenient for further progress? Some government practices are simply unjustifiable, but all the more reason to know about them. The film "Syriana" shows what can happen to people if they pursue goals they believe are in the nation's best interest. But is it up to a select few to recognize and decide this? The question is quite unnecessary, because that's just how things work. We don't know what the government does with individuals, we only know what it does for the entire nation. Agents don't have it easy, not only because their enemies can do as they please with them, but sometimes they can't even rely on their closest allies. George Clooney finally got a role in this film that earned him an Oscar. It's a beautiful example of how a TV actor can become a respected actor, but also a creator, because he is also a director and screenwriter, and he has nominations for an Oscar in both categories. The role suited him perfectly, but he doesn't have that much space here. His performance in the film also depends on the fact that he has gained some weight and learned foreign languages. I have to say that he didn't impress me otherwise, but I don't think it's because of his performance. "Syriana" in general did not sit well with me, mainly because I haven't been enjoying political films lately. Perhaps I should save them for a more suitable mood. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/11/sahara-stormbreaker-syriana-andelsky.html (02/03/2013)