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441:. The former praised the film in that it "brings home the cultural as well as the human violence meted out to that gorgeous capital more powerfully than many more exalted documentaries...Though they struggle to build a fan base, and end up seeking refuge in Syria, their dreams persist, still blazing fiercely at the close of this chastening and inspiring film."
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praised the film as "An intrepid, unlikely and altogether splendid feat of D.I.Y. reportage...Both a stirring testament to the plight of cultural expression in
Baghdad and a striking report on the refugee scene in Syria, this rock-doc like no other electrifies its genre and redefines headbanging as
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The film was released on DVD in the United States on 10 June. The collector's edition includes over 90 minutes of bonus material. This includes a 45-minute featurette, seven additional and deleted scenes (live performances and interviews), an 8-page booklet including the original
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described the film as "More than just another Iraq-doc, 'Heavy Metal' is a surprisingly up-close look at the toll of the war on young people, and how they still have dreams and still want to jam, party and get down. If 'Once' was about the romance of creativity,
389:, 83% of 24 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.4/10. The website's consensus reads: "Despite being a Gonzo-esque rockumentary following the fortunes of Iraq's one and only heavy metal band, Acrassicauda,
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returned to Iraq in 2006 to track down the band. Upon their return they discovered the multitude of death and destruction, including rehearsing studios destroyed by bombs.
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It received an official theatrical release in the United States on 23 May 2008 and a limited theatrical release in the United
Kingdom on 12 September 2008.
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Candid interviews with the band members allows an insight into a sub section of society steeped in
American pop culture and the hostilities this attracts.
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media conglomerate. During the filming it was revealed that the Syrian government did not intend to extend the visas of the band to stay in
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magazine in the UK and Europe. The book offers an oral history of the band's journey, made up of extended interviews with key members.
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A book accompanying the film was released in 2009, titled "Heavy Metal in
Baghdad - The Story of Acrassicauda". The book was edited by
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magazine article. With the magazine's help, they were able to stage a sell-out show in 2005 despite the recent ousting of
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From Joy
Division to Bob Dylan to Metal in Iraq: Music Movies Rock Toronto Film Festival
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The film also garnered favourable reactions from leading
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is about the total, unrelenting obsession. They have no choice. They must rock."
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is actually a moving and impassioned account of the middle-east crisis."
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on 8 September 2007. This was followed by a 10 February screening at the
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magazine article "No War For Heavy Metal" as well as a teaser trailer.
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on 24 July 2008. This was followed by a 21 September 2008 screening at
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described the film as "the most powerful music film" of the festival.
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Iraqi Heavy Metal Band Asks for Help as They Fight to
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Documentary films about heavy metal music and musicians
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Film reviews: Heavy Metal in
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109:Acrassicauda
95:Marwan Reyad
91:Faisal Talal
68:Shane Smith
55:Suroosh Alvi
45:Eddy Moretti
42:Suroosh Alvi
18:
1157:Weediquette
897:productions
888:Filmography
766:Andy Capper
737:Spike Jonze
731:Shane Smith
391:Heavy Metal
367:Andy Capper
215:amidst the
209:heavy metal
64:Spike Jonze
60:Produced by
38:Directed by
1263:2007 films
1257:Categories
1053:Balls Deep
879:Refinery29
804:Properties
711:Key people
704:Vice Media
449:References
252:Production
196:is a 2007
165:84 minutes
148:2008-05-23
137:2007-09-08
50:Written by
1220:(2020-23)
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1144:(2017–18)
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1085:Gaycation
1080:(2016–18)
1072:(2016–18)
1064:(2016–22)
860:Fightland
854:(defunct)
823:Vice News
756:(founder)
733:(founder)
727:(founder)
377:Reception
180:Languages
170:Countries
99:Tony Aziz
1242:Category
1207:Showtime
1125:Slutever
1109:My House
1045:Beerland
945:The Ride
895:Original
837:Programs
828:Viceland
792:(editor)
786:(editor)
774:(editor)
768:(editor)
762:(editor)
559:Archived
465:Archived
385:website
223:Synopsis
217:Iraq War
105:Music by
81:Starring
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718:Current
381:On the
338:Belgium
330:Iceland
322:Finland
290:Release
258:Baghdad
183:English
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175:Canada
119:VBS.tv
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206:Iraqi
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747:Past
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495:IMDB
471:TIFF
435:and
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396:The
371:Vice
361:Book
355:Vice
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272:and
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260:and
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348:DVD
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264:in
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