FILM

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How Does “Last Hijack” Approach its Subject Matter Without Passing Judgment?

Piracy became common in Somalia to the point where Somali men are nearly synonymous with the trade. Last Hijack (2014) is a documentary showcasing the life of a Somali pirate, Mohamed, in a sober look at his personal struggles. The film begins by…

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How Does “Last Hijack” Utilize Animated Sequences?

Last Hijack’s (2014) animated sequences are dark, dreamlike transcendental renderings that look like someone armed the love child of Abiyoyo and The Polar Express with AK-47s. They are occasionally metaphoric in nature, like the film’s opening…

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Is “Last Hijack” Criticizing Piracy, or Just Observing Criminal Life in a Different Environment?

Last Hijack (2014) is a criticism of piracy insomuch as there’s really no reason someone would support piracy. But the film doesn’t operate on an agenda, it’s simply attempting to show a violent, unimaginable lifestyle from a different,…

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Who Provided the “Last Hijack” Animation?

Last Hijack’s animation is all-important to the film, responsible for providing backstory and insight into the film’s main character, as well as serving as the emotional representation of the despair and violence of piracy as a profession.…

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Should “Last Hijack” Have Spent More Time on the Story of the Anti-Piracy Radio Station?

Most of the interview subjects in Last Hijack (2014) are Somali citizens voicing their disapprovals about piracy. They’re also mostly Mohamed’s family members, save for wonderful interviews with Abdi Fatah, the head of a radio station tasked…

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How Did the Filmmakers of “Last Hijack” Get Access to Such a Dangerous Setting?

The filmmakers behind Last Hijack (2014), Tommy Pallotta and Femke Wolting, had been following the piracy story for almost five years. Piracy was still a huge business when they started their analysis. By the time it came around to filming, the…

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The 5 Most Analyzable Films & TV Shows to Watch on Netflix Right Now

Is the winter weather keeping you inside this weekend? There are likely some responsible things that you should do: catch up on laundry (yawn), start your taxes (ugh). But let’s face it—those ideas don’t excite anyone. When the weather…