Good Kurds, Bad Kurds: No Friends But the Mountains

Jan 24 2000 N/A 1h 12m

Documentary, War

Journalist Kevin McKiernan's powerful film takes a close look at the Kurds, compelling and controversial subjects whose identities seem to shift depending on the loyalties of those viewing them. To some, they are heroes fighting to rebuild war-torn Iraq; to others, they are terrorists to be feared and loathed. What is the truth, and where do the answers lie? This provocative study earned Best Documentary honors at numerous film festivals.

Plot

A war of national liberation or a war against terrorism? Film-maker and acclaimed freelance journalist Kevin McKiernan poses this question at the outset of this stirring, provocative film shot in part by legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler. It's all in how you define "good" and "bad." "Good Kurds" are those in Iraq: they're Saddam Hussein's victims, whom we want to help. "Bad Kurds" are those waging an armed insurrection against Turkey, an American ally: they're at the receiving end of U.S. weaponry. McKiernan went to northern Iraq to cover the revolt against Saddam Hussein. Just a few miles away, no one was covering the hidden war in Turkey. McKiernan determined he would report the story independently. 'Good Kurds, Bad Kurds' brings a sharp clarity to a complex history, while providing disturbing insight into immigration practices and U.S. foreign policy.

Written by

Kevin McKiernan

Directed by

Kevin McKiernan

Cast

William Hartung, Jim McGovern, Kevin McKiernan

Crew

View crew

Awards

5 wins & 1 nomination

Scores

# of Votes

Average Rating

6.3 out of 10

Metascore

Popularity

Version 1.0