Syriana
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: November 23, 2005
7.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 392 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
288
Mixed:
50
Negative:
54
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
VaibhavD.Dec 26, 2005
A movie that is admirable in intent and nearly flawless in its execution. People complaining about its "politics" probably are unaware of recent world history. In fact, the film IMO is largely *apolitical* and quite "passive" in the manner A movie that is admirable in intent and nearly flawless in its execution. People complaining about its "politics" probably are unaware of recent world history. In fact, the film IMO is largely *apolitical* and quite "passive" in the manner in which it weaves together multiple narratives. There are almost no overt political statements or ham-handed attempts at moralization. The movie expects the audience to construct the story as it is presented through multiple and seemingly disjoint fashion. If the audience is prepared to work with it as such, it will work equally well as both thriller, and a dispassionate pseudo-documentary on the geo-politics of oil. If you are unprepared to work with the Director on this one, this is not the movie for you. If you are, you will view one of the finest films you will ever see. But for a marginally dissappointing end, I would have given it the highest possible rating.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
kynnj.Dec 26, 2005
Excellent flick, with some very good points to make... Unfortunately, a bit hard to follow, so it won't reach a broad audience. Given that this is a movie that attempts to make a political point, the fact that it is hard to follow is a Excellent flick, with some very good points to make... Unfortunately, a bit hard to follow, so it won't reach a broad audience. Given that this is a movie that attempts to make a political point, the fact that it is hard to follow is a particularly serious flaw, hence I give it a 9 and not a 10. The basic underlying theme I take from this movie is that corporations and not politician, let alone ELECTED politicians, run the world. All governments, including our own (in the US) are puppet governmets. This may sound like a Marxist whine, but the movie makes a very plausible, realistic case in support of it. Those who are afraid of watching rather explicit scenes of torture, or of having their worldviews pushed outside the comfort zone should stick with Wallace and Gromit.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JohnC.P.Dec 25, 2005
Clearly a very ambitious movie. It's not an action movie, nor is it exactly a thriller movie (it certainly wasn't rewarding in that sense), which means that the movie has to succeed on getting across its message. The movie does Clearly a very ambitious movie. It's not an action movie, nor is it exactly a thriller movie (it certainly wasn't rewarding in that sense), which means that the movie has to succeed on getting across its message. The movie does raise many important and valid issues, but in the end, I was left thinking, "Yeah, great, but I already knew that. Show me new stuff or force me to think about old stuff in ways I haven't before." And the movie failed in that regard. For all the mental hoops the movie makes you jump through, I expected more.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
michaell.Dec 23, 2005
Huh? good acting, very interesting, but so disjointed and hard to follow....no dummy here, but you lost me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
ChapS.Dec 22, 2005
Please do not waste your time watching this movie. I still do not understand what this movie was about. It is a jumbled up mess that makes no attempt to "come together" at the end or even make some larger point. The only thing I could glean Please do not waste your time watching this movie. I still do not understand what this movie was about. It is a jumbled up mess that makes no attempt to "come together" at the end or even make some larger point. The only thing I could glean from this movie is that big corporations are evil (please tell me something I don't already know). I'm sorry I didn't just walk out of this movie half-way through. The only reason that I can figure out why this move got such a good metacritic score is that reviewers are too embarrassed to admit that they have no idea what this movie is about either.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
statikdogDec 21, 2005
Utterly confusing and often bland. Just because you make a move about important issues it doesn't mean it's a great movie. Maybe I should've brought Dennis Miller along with me to explain what the Hell was going on.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
richardb.Dec 21, 2005
I'm adding Syriana to my top 10. Best paranoid thriller since di Palma's Blow Out. Everything Constant Gardener was supposed to be but isnt. Haunting (that vision of the dead son still playing by the fountain)...strong smart (and I'm adding Syriana to my top 10. Best paranoid thriller since di Palma's Blow Out. Everything Constant Gardener was supposed to be but isnt. Haunting (that vision of the dead son still playing by the fountain)...strong smart (and mostly very quick) performances from Peet, Damon, Clooney,Wright, Plummer and all the CIA & Arab world supporting crew...wow. And to top it off, Miles Drentell as the DOJ snake...very cool. I'm not sure if this strange little world is absolutely meant to be the way things truly are, but I fell for it as hard as I fell for the Tinker Tailor miniseries. Intertwined destinies, inexorable tragedy. Phew.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
daveDec 19, 2005
This movie was great. However, if you are an idiot and can't follow four separate parts to one story (that all come together) then don't bother. So, go see the movie. But be warned: it's not action packed, yoiu may have to This movie was great. However, if you are an idiot and can't follow four separate parts to one story (that all come together) then don't bother. So, go see the movie. But be warned: it's not action packed, yoiu may have to think instead of absorbing special effects, and you may have to use reasoning skills at something like a fifth grade level. Unfortunately as I've seen several comments below, these traits are now few and far between.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
AaronkDec 17, 2005
The movie was interesting, and made this usually very political and dry subject more human for both sides. On the other hand the film was slow and uncompelling from the beginning. The characters that were compelling were not developed. The The movie was interesting, and made this usually very political and dry subject more human for both sides. On the other hand the film was slow and uncompelling from the beginning. The characters that were compelling were not developed. The film is interesting, but does not hold your attention and it's tempting to walk out.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
gregj.Dec 17, 2005
this is to PETER G. sir, this is hardly an anti-american movie, it is simply reality. you need to read a book sometime. have you not seen the pictures of bush holding king abdullah's hand? do you not know thatthe cia helped return the this is to PETER G. sir, this is hardly an anti-american movie, it is simply reality. you need to read a book sometime. have you not seen the pictures of bush holding king abdullah's hand? do you not know thatthe cia helped return the shah to power after a pro-democratic but american oil company leader named mossadeq was ousted so that we could still have iranian oil. oh and you worked for an oil company, so i guess makes you an expert on what the company is doing in congress or overseas. what do you think im a moron? come on man i'm not your son. i could have also sat here and thrown some stupid comment alluding to my qualifications in writing this comment like, "I have a political science degree." that wouldn't mean anything unless i backed my opinion with some facts, so next time you wanna make an inane comment about how liberals in hollywood hate america, at least have a facts to back it up.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
WWDec 16, 2005
Gripping plot is not for the easily distracted. Twists and turns keep the audience guessing and constantly trying to piece the puzzle together, only to find in the end that the puzzle might take a few repeated viewings to fully realize the Gripping plot is not for the easily distracted. Twists and turns keep the audience guessing and constantly trying to piece the puzzle together, only to find in the end that the puzzle might take a few repeated viewings to fully realize the scope of this ambitious work. Above all, this film provokes thought on the balancing act that is capitalism, diplomacy, and ethics, and whether it's possbile for them to even share the same breath in America. Fans of films like Traffic, The Manchurian Candidate, and All the Presidents Men have a new gem to polish.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
J-LoDec 16, 2005
It's interesting that the major reasons MC users did not like Syriania either are (1) they did not get it or (2) did not agree with the politics. To answer the first group, there is a category of film (and music, theater, painting, etc) It's interesting that the major reasons MC users did not like Syriania either are (1) they did not get it or (2) did not agree with the politics. To answer the first group, there is a category of film (and music, theater, painting, etc) in which you are not supposed to get it. The mystery and confusion are intentional. If you think the film was boring and that watching paint dry would be more fun, have no fear: Spiderman III and a new James Bond movie are in the works. As for the politcal reactions to the film, calling Syriana "trite," "absurd," "self important," etc., I have some advice: for your own peace of mind you should stay away from movies with messages that you can predict you'll disagree with, because, as you well know, anything you disagree with is obviously flawed and wrong. And in this case a former CIA operative in the Middle East who wrote the book on which the movie is based could not possibly know what he was writing about and therefore the film deserves a 0. Brilliant.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
MarkB.Dec 15, 2005
Writer-director Stephen Gaghan previously did the screenplay for Traffic, partly as an outgrowth of his substance-abusing days before becoming clean and sober, and the most impressive aspect of his work on Syriana is that two years of Writer-director Stephen Gaghan previously did the screenplay for Traffic, partly as an outgrowth of his substance-abusing days before becoming clean and sober, and the most impressive aspect of his work on Syriana is that two years of researching Big Oil before writing this DIDN'T drive him back to drugs again! Gaghan attempts to do with the energy cartels what Traffic did with the worldwide drug trade, but it's missing one simple but crucial element: Steven Soderbergh as director. Soderbergh gained justifiable acclaim (and a Best Director Oscar) for making Gaghan's sprawling blend of three seperate storylines amazingly clear and viewer-friendly; Gaghan, helming this one, adds about 7 more plotlines and no end of confusion. The very distinct possibility that Gaghan is weaving this endlessly tangled web ON PURPOSE to demonstrate how complex Big Oli's grip on government (domestic and foreign), the economy, morality, life and death doesn't make his film any less annoying to watch; Gaghan's like a kid who lets you play with his gigantic jigsaw puzzle while watching you squirm because he deliberately hid several key pieces under the sofa cushions. Amazingly, he manages the impressive feat of being both serpentine and heavy-handed; his simple conclusion (if you didn't already guess it before buying your ticket) is that The Oil Industry Is Evil And All-Encompassing And There's Nothing You Can Do About It, Not Even Ride Your Bike To Work. (And if you manage to miss it, Tim Blake Nelson hammers it home with a speech about corruption that is extremely reminiscent of Michael Douglas' "Greed Is Good" monologue in Wall Street without at all making you forget how much more effective Oliver Stone's movie was.) I have nothing at all against blowing the whistle on Big Business, but unlike Robert Greenwald's current documentary Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices, Syriana doesn't spur audiences to action, or behavioral change, or anything except hopelessness and doldrums. And at least Andrew Niccol's underrated Lord of War, which takes on international arms trade and draws most of the same cynical conclusions, very successfully uses Nicolas Cage's narration to draw you into its necessarily labyrinthine plot rather than pushing you away. Syriana DOES boast some very good performances, especially from Christopher Plummer, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet and especially George Clooney (and three cheers to him for, by putting on weight for both this and Good Night and Good Luck, demonstrating that movie good guys come in ALL shapes and sizes). And one of Gaghan's subplots is an intriguing and extremely offbeat (to Western viewers,anyway) view of Arab suicide bombers as otherwise rather likable, ordinary people whose deaths in the line of dubious duty inspire sympathy not as much for their victims as for the attackers themselves--what a shame that such nice kids have to die so early! Otherwise, the closest that Gaghan gets to coherently communicating his obviously deeply felt message about the sins committed by American oil companies is that sitting through this tangle is a perfect mirror of the frustration that many moviegoers felt earlier this year at the gas pumps!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
jdelapaDec 15, 2005
Wow. This movie is amazing. I can't stop thinking about it... I think its this years best, and certainly my new favorite.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
cousinrkDec 15, 2005
One of the most disapointing films of the year. I loved Traffic and was expecting more of the same here. What I found was a convoluted movie that felt more like watching a boring CNN documentary on Oil and Gas than an interesting film. The One of the most disapointing films of the year. I loved Traffic and was expecting more of the same here. What I found was a convoluted movie that felt more like watching a boring CNN documentary on Oil and Gas than an interesting film. The fact is it wasn't entertaining at all. You spend so much time trying to figure everything out that it becomes hard to enjoy yourself.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
CindyA.Dec 14, 2005
I just saw this movie tonight and what a waste of money. It was the worst movie I have EVER seen!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
OrenKDec 14, 2005
Excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, but the plot was a bit slow and drawn out.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DanBDec 14, 2005
I think the reaction people have to this film will tell you more about the person speaking than the film. And for the record, I'm not at all sure it's particularly liberal, nor does it so strenuously assert the oil business is I think the reaction people have to this film will tell you more about the person speaking than the film. And for the record, I'm not at all sure it's particularly liberal, nor does it so strenuously assert the oil business is evil. I mean, you could think it says that, but I think the msg is a bit more mixed than that.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
PeterRDec 14, 2005
I agree with it's politics. But the movie is not as smart as an episode of west wing, while emplying the same technique of dazzling us with too much information... The problem here is that it isn't as complex as it seems, it's I agree with it's politics. But the movie is not as smart as an episode of west wing, while emplying the same technique of dazzling us with too much information... The problem here is that it isn't as complex as it seems, it's actually corny. Actors, script, photographer are better than the direction, makes you realize how good soderberg is when thinking about traffic, which is a very similar movie with a much better director.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
PRicheyDec 14, 2005
I give it a 6 because it has two interesting plot lines (Geoge Clooney's and Matt Damon's) one semi-interesting one (the lawyer following the merger) and one plot line that should of just been removed from the movie (the laid off I give it a 6 because it has two interesting plot lines (Geoge Clooney's and Matt Damon's) one semi-interesting one (the lawyer following the merger) and one plot line that should of just been removed from the movie (the laid off worker). Everytime they went to the former oil worker's story I just wanted to get out of the theatre, the movie would of been sooo much better if they would of just cut out that whole story and dug a little deeper into the other storylines. Every scene at that school was just so boring and dull. On a positive note Matt Damon was awesome in this movie. It is a decent movie, but do expect it to drag EVERY SINGLE TIME they go to the laid off worker with one exception.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JeffTDec 13, 2005
How much one likes this movie depends on your politcal views. As non-liberal I would say it's interesting, yet probably mostly the product of a liberal ranting and making things up as he goes along. Its a movie and just that....not truth.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
FantasyDec 13, 2005
What a disappointment. Just awful. Avoid at all costs.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
spongeeeDec 13, 2005
Great film. I honestly 'got' about 80-90 percent of the movie on first view, but I left feeling rewarded for watching the story. Great suspense and pace. Check it!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HeatherM.Dec 13, 2005
This movie is so engaging and beautifully crafted. George Clooney is batting a thousand so far this year!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
AnnDec 13, 2005
This is a film only a mother of the director could love. It is very difficult to follow as it jumps from storyline to storyline all with predictable results. Business as usual with America the bad guy as we are responsible for creating This is a film only a mother of the director could love. It is very difficult to follow as it jumps from storyline to storyline all with predictable results. Business as usual with America the bad guy as we are responsible for creating terrorists, oil at all costs to drive our engine, and corruption in all facets of government and coroporations. Ho-hum. Not much character development if at all. The audience walked out shaking its collective heads. Not worthy of your time or money.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
miker.Dec 12, 2005
I am not unsympathetic to the position this movie takes that big oil and the politicans it employs are recking havoc with the world politic ultimately with dire consequences to our own country in the future, but the structure of the story, I am not unsympathetic to the position this movie takes that big oil and the politicans it employs are recking havoc with the world politic ultimately with dire consequences to our own country in the future, but the structure of the story, for such a complicated and complex movie, like this sentence, left me in the dark too long. Movies should not be term papers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TomD.Dec 12, 2005
Mesermizing and fast. I didn't feel swept along by the story so much as entrenched in it. I love movies that reward you for your intelligence, dilligence and offer you a complex puzzle to solve and re-solve. Not for everyone, of course, Mesermizing and fast. I didn't feel swept along by the story so much as entrenched in it. I love movies that reward you for your intelligence, dilligence and offer you a complex puzzle to solve and re-solve. Not for everyone, of course, but the fact that character's lives and deaths came with such silence and pause made the humanist nature of the filmmaker eminently clear. All the while leaving the entire story, like a map of the world that may contain more conflict than oil reserves.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RyanDec 12, 2005
This film features some top-notch cinematography. Not unlike Gaghan's "Traffic", this movie will have you thinking about its message for days.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
PeterG.Dec 12, 2005
Trite and underwhelming. I have worked in the international oil business. As a society we seem to wish that there was some grand conspiracy, someone to blame besides ourselves as will stop to fill up the SUV. Things just do not work the way Trite and underwhelming. I have worked in the international oil business. As a society we seem to wish that there was some grand conspiracy, someone to blame besides ourselves as will stop to fill up the SUV. Things just do not work the way portrayed in the film. Reality is much more complicated and less intentional. To me, this was just another grandiose, liberal "Hollywood: view of reality: America is evil, big business (oil) is evil, evil America loves evil, corrupt Dictators, but suicide bombers are just desperate, misunderstood basic folks with a really good heart deep down. There are some good points to the film as well, like the frustration that must be felt from perceived American inteference in politics, but basically the movie reflects an agenda. I am getting sick of all the "America is bad" inferences gushing from rich Hollywood liberals. Time to stay home for a while.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
SusanM.Dec 12, 2005
I have so many bad things to say about this movie...first of all, the person who said "If you liked Traffic you'll like Syriana" was 100% wrong. I liked Traffic a lot, and this movie was just plain lousy. This movie is so thick with oil I have so many bad things to say about this movie...first of all, the person who said "If you liked Traffic you'll like Syriana" was 100% wrong. I liked Traffic a lot, and this movie was just plain lousy. This movie is so thick with oil industry lingo that it lost me right away...in the trailer, it looked like it would be action-packed, well let me tell you it's not! It's 99% talking and 1% action. It tried to make some kind of statement about the corruption in the oil industry, while telling something about the lives of those involved. Well, it TOTALLY failed because I didn't walk away pissed off at oil companies, I walked away pissed off at everyone involed in making the movie, for wasting 2 hours of my time. This is not an enjoyable movie, the story goes nowhere and the characters don't matter and it never makes it's point. Trust me, spend your time watching paint dry, you'll have more fun.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GregDec 11, 2005
As some critics point out, this movie is indeed disjointed, but that's the point. Writer/director Stephen Gaghan has made the potentially dangerous assumption that his audience has brains which function, and are thus capable of paying As some critics point out, this movie is indeed disjointed, but that's the point. Writer/director Stephen Gaghan has made the potentially dangerous assumption that his audience has brains which function, and are thus capable of paying close attention. The movie's (and book's) ultimate point is that we are all sucking at the oil teat, which despite anyone's best machinations, shall eventually run dry. I also strongly recommend Robert Baer's books "See No Evil" and "Sleeping With The Devil".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
JohnB.Dec 11, 2005
The fact that this film got so many good reviews is really amazing! It's a totally absurd attempt to explain the big oil conspiracy, the source of terrorism and the inner workings of the CIA. It fails on all counts, basically because The fact that this film got so many good reviews is really amazing! It's a totally absurd attempt to explain the big oil conspiracy, the source of terrorism and the inner workings of the CIA. It fails on all counts, basically because the story is so flawed. It's confusing, totally unplausible and, worst of all-boring. You wonder why movie attendance is down? After spending eight bucks and two hours on this farce, i think I know why.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DexterB.Dec 11, 2005
Okay this is great.... this board is like an IQ test! People who are pretty dumb... well they complain about it being "too complicated" and give it a low score 'cause it caused them to break into a sweat trying to think. If you cross Okay this is great.... this board is like an IQ test! People who are pretty dumb... well they complain about it being "too complicated" and give it a low score 'cause it caused them to break into a sweat trying to think. If you cross reference the names with reviews of, say Spiderman 2, you'll see that they loved movies made for kids under 8 and just plain dumb people. People with a little intelligence had no difficulties and were able to grok the whole thing. It's like taking your pet white rat to the Matise/Pissarro exhibit... he's just not going to get it, and will probably b and moan about having to sit through it. Well, most rats. There are exeptions.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
ARDec 11, 2005
This is a bore!!! It's boring. Did I mention how boring this movie is. It's agonizingly dull. The director, writer and editor seem to think that to show boredom, one has to film boredom. The movie is around 120 minutes long (I This is a bore!!! It's boring. Did I mention how boring this movie is. It's agonizingly dull. The director, writer and editor seem to think that to show boredom, one has to film boredom. The movie is around 120 minutes long (I know: I checked my watch about ten times). It spends that 120 minutes in a perpetual "setup" that could have and should have taken 20 minutes. Several people left. I asked my wife if we could leave several times. George Clooney gained 35 lbs. For what? He wasn't in the movie all that much. Neither was Matt Damon (Maaatttt Daaaamon). And HIS story line was the best!!! It seems that every piece of footage this director filmed thought it was so "Artistic" and "Profound" that it couldn't be left out of the story; it redefines "self-indulgence". There is five minute after five minute after five minute of "these" characters settting the stage for "that" character. And the dialog is so dull, so slow. The concept was interesting. The execution was terrible. What a snooze. And "professional" critics actually like and recommend this? In the movie, they talk about how the Chinese Gov't tortures members of Falun Gong. Well, "Syriana" is how Hollywood tortues movie goers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AndreA.Dec 10, 2005
I really want to like this movie because of the subject matter, but I was confused one too many times to give it more than a 7. It's definitely not an enjoyable movie, but this movie is clearly not designed to be enjoyed -- it seems to I really want to like this movie because of the subject matter, but I was confused one too many times to give it more than a 7. It's definitely not an enjoyable movie, but this movie is clearly not designed to be enjoyed -- it seems to me designed to get people to see how big business (particularly big oil) protects itself and is very, very good at doing it. For people who are already aware of this, it may be a little to obvious. For people who aren't, maybe it shows a new point of view that might educate. Even if it did, it's still a hard movie to recommend.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DanielJ.Dec 10, 2005
I still have mixed feelings about this very powerful film. It's really a work seeking to address an imbalance, which means it's pure agenda. The imbalance it seeks to address is the limits of our myopic worldview in the west (or I still have mixed feelings about this very powerful film. It's really a work seeking to address an imbalance, which means it's pure agenda. The imbalance it seeks to address is the limits of our myopic worldview in the west (or anywhere for that matter). What this film does is give a westerner like me just the slightest inkling of the rage and frustration of an all-powerful foreign power interfering in its affairs as well as the humiliation and desperation that the poor feel, specifically here, in the arab world, and how that makes them susceptible to radicalization. It is exceedingly cynical. However it… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AndrewO.Dec 10, 2005
If you liked Traffic you'll like this. While some have criticized it for having multiple groups of main characters with different stories, this is the only way to describe a truly big picture issue in international relations and If you liked Traffic you'll like this. While some have criticized it for having multiple groups of main characters with different stories, this is the only way to describe a truly big picture issue in international relations and business. Like Traffic, it's easy to end up sympathizing with (or at least understanding) most of the characters and then feeling conflicted when they're in opposition. That said, this movie isn't for everyone. Expect to have to pay attention and keep track of different characters between quick cuts from storyline to storyline or it's easy to get lost. Also, this movie rewards viewer if they know more than just the most recent news about the Middle East. Last, it features great performances from all including Clooney, Damon, Chris Cooper, and Alexander Siddig.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SabihM.Dec 10, 2005
Admittedly this is a complicated movie - i don't think everything was resolved in the end, but it's most definitely worth the effort and gaghan's attempt at crafting a story of this magnitude is admirable. and despite what yourAdmittedly this is a complicated movie - i don't think everything was resolved in the end, but it's most definitely worth the effort and gaghan's attempt at crafting a story of this magnitude is admirable. and despite what your political leanings, this film is important to see - just to have a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes of the "petropolitical" landscape...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SeanDec 10, 2005
The movie was definitely challenging but ultimately a very rewarding experience. The movie may feel disjointed initially but it all comes together in the end. It's a movie I've been thinking about since I left the theater and one The movie was definitely challenging but ultimately a very rewarding experience. The movie may feel disjointed initially but it all comes together in the end. It's a movie I've been thinking about since I left the theater and one that I'm anxious to see again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
SeanP.Dec 10, 2005
This is by far the worst movie i have ever seen. I would have walked out and tried to get my money back, but i assumed the movie just had a slow start. So i stayed for the whole movie and greatly regretted it. There is absolutely no storyThis is by far the worst movie i have ever seen. I would have walked out and tried to get my money back, but i assumed the movie just had a slow start. So i stayed for the whole movie and greatly regretted it. There is absolutely no story involved. I would have rather watched the nightly news for two hours straight and gotten more out of it. Save yourself the time and money and stay home. This movie truly earns the zero rating i gave it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
RobertDec 10, 2005
A real snoozer,i know this is not what the reviewers are saying,but this film had alot to say,and not a good job telling the story--Disjointed! I was expecting more.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
ThomasDec 10, 2005
Movie jumps all over the place, making it difficult to follow and understand. Should have been a documentary instead of a feature film. Pretty boring movie, don't waste your money.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
V.MartinezDec 9, 2005
This movie should have 'Plot/Character Guides' given out at the entrance of the movie (kinda like 3D glasses). I would have walked out, but I paid $8.50 (remember, if you check your watch in a movie or you fall asleep, then it This movie should have 'Plot/Character Guides' given out at the entrance of the movie (kinda like 3D glasses). I would have walked out, but I paid $8.50 (remember, if you check your watch in a movie or you fall asleep, then it sucks). I'd say about 12 characters with 5 different stories going on at the same time (i.e. 60 scenarios). A circus act with the clowns juggling plots, characters, jerky video, anti-Big Oil cliches, CIA coverups, family crises, etc. In short, wait until it's out on DVD( and take 'Syriana 101' at your community college). P.S. The '1' star is to bring down the accolades, sorry.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JudyT.Dec 9, 2005
Suffers from slowness and too covoluted a story line, my husband fell asleep twice. It could have been a good political thriller if it hadn't been so obvious. I would hve like to see Jeffrey Wright get his due, top job, new house, Suffers from slowness and too covoluted a story line, my husband fell asleep twice. It could have been a good political thriller if it hadn't been so obvious. I would hve like to see Jeffrey Wright get his due, top job, new house, yacht, etc, etc.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
KellyG.Dec 9, 2005
Too self important.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
MontyDec 9, 2005
Ambitious, multi-plotted drama tries to squeeze too much into a feature film format. This should have been a min-series. Its jumpiness doesn't allow for much depth or traction. See Kirk Honeycutt's review in the Hollywood Report, Ambitious, multi-plotted drama tries to squeeze too much into a feature film format. This should have been a min-series. Its jumpiness doesn't allow for much depth or traction. See Kirk Honeycutt's review in the Hollywood Report, above, for an accurate descirption of the film. One to watch on dvd perhaps but not a night out..… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
MichaelW.Dec 9, 2005
Although "Syriana" deals with important issues, its utter incomprehensibility makes it a failure. I was warned by several reviews that it is difficult to follow, but the confused and impenetrable script negate any interest and value this movie has.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CharlesDec 7, 2005
Complicated, but worth the effort.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
DennisDec 7, 2005
A reel bore bomb.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GrahamDec 6, 2005
Excellent, don't trust the people that say this isnt good, one of the best films of the year, Clooney should be nominated!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
tanias.Dec 5, 2005
I have enjoyed no movie this year as I have enjoyed this one. I award it a perfect 10. A very good job - done by george clooney, matt damon and jeffry wright.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
johnp.Dec 5, 2005
The movie is toooooooooo good. An exceptionally good performance by MATT DAMON.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
T.V.Dec 4, 2005
Best movie of the year. Will make you think.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
DWillyDec 4, 2005
This is a difficult movie to rate. With a solid knowledge of oil politics (which I have) it is quite enjoyable; and without that knowledge (which my wife has not) it is nearly unbearable. It's really rather amazing that this film got This is a difficult movie to rate. With a solid knowledge of oil politics (which I have) it is quite enjoyable; and without that knowledge (which my wife has not) it is nearly unbearable. It's really rather amazing that this film got made. There are a lot of nice touches and real competence throughout, but, as will always be the danger in a polemic, things tend to get writ broadly. There are really no standout performances; and Matt Damon, though still sharp, revealed a lack of depth in his talent in his ongoing response to an early catastrophic event.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
ArnoldH.Dec 3, 2005
The most incoherent two hours in movie history. Stereotypes, not flesh and blood characters. Unconcving plot developments. A true must-miss.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
C.B.Nov 30, 2005
Traffic with oil.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BuzzNov 28, 2005
I'm not going to take stabs at people who don't get this film. there was a guy behind me snoring, the guy to my left would sigh hyperbolically everytime a scene changed...it's not for everyone. but if you like true drama, I'm not going to take stabs at people who don't get this film. there was a guy behind me snoring, the guy to my left would sigh hyperbolically everytime a scene changed...it's not for everyone. but if you like true drama, great acting, and inspired stroytelling - and don't need a movie riddled with chase scenes scored to techo and "everything's gonna be alright" summations - invest a couple of hours in a little high-quality edutainment. be not afraid.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PedroK.Nov 26, 2005
One of the best films of the year by far. Doesn't pander to the audience, and creates a far more complex world with nuanced three dimensional characters than the usual depictions of good and evil, black and white that we're used to One of the best films of the year by far. Doesn't pander to the audience, and creates a far more complex world with nuanced three dimensional characters than the usual depictions of good and evil, black and white that we're used to seeing from Hollywood. I'm surprised this even got made, and I'm glad they did, it was about time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MikeH.Nov 25, 2005
One of the best movie I've seen in years. It is complex and needs the viewer to be alert most of the time. Yet, despite some 'experts' reviews which somehow are undermining the intellegence of the average viewer, you'll One of the best movie I've seen in years. It is complex and needs the viewer to be alert most of the time. Yet, despite some 'experts' reviews which somehow are undermining the intellegence of the average viewer, you'll definitely understand the movie content and be able to judge its worthiness. It aims at shocking the viewer with what is perceived as the reality of the global business/politics intertwinement.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ElliottNov 24, 2005
It's excruciatingly convoluted and puzzling, though certainly a very interesting and provocative picture. It's an intriguing film, but after a while I got sick and tired of trying to comprehend what was happening on the screen. I It's excruciatingly convoluted and puzzling, though certainly a very interesting and provocative picture. It's an intriguing film, but after a while I got sick and tired of trying to comprehend what was happening on the screen. I may like it more after another viewing, but right now, I find it MUCH easier to admire the intentions of the picture than the picture itself. READ: great acting, a gripping soundtrack, intelligent direction and overall attractive formal compositions can't make up for a disorienting and ultimately grating screenplay.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DanB.Nov 23, 2005
No bad guys. no good guys. conspiracy without the conspiracy. whiz. bang. zoom. boffo flick.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MichaelB.Nov 23, 2005
Look at this movie as somewhat of an IQ test, then check the scores it received from the media critics... Yes, it's a difficult, intellectually challenging movie that refuses to spoonfeed expositional pablum to the viewer, but it's Look at this movie as somewhat of an IQ test, then check the scores it received from the media critics... Yes, it's a difficult, intellectually challenging movie that refuses to spoonfeed expositional pablum to the viewer, but it's also a terrific thriller. My pick for the best and boldest movie from Hollywood this year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
debib.Nov 22, 2005
Fantastic....superb performance by the cast, especially by clooney and damon.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
timNov 21, 2005
The main complaint i hear about this film is that it goes too fast to catch the plot, - all the information is actually between the lines. well, this movie doesn't spell it out in words, but if you can't get the idea from all this The main complaint i hear about this film is that it goes too fast to catch the plot, - all the information is actually between the lines. well, this movie doesn't spell it out in words, but if you can't get the idea from all this great acting and writing and direction, you probably aren't good at getting ideas.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
raminNov 21, 2005
Best film about middle east.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
raminNov 21, 2005
Best film about middle east.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
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