Baghdad Messi
| 2012Directed by: Sahim Omar Kalifa
Main Plot
Baghdad Messi follows the story of a young boy living in war-torn Baghdad who is an avid fan of football, particularly idolizing the famous player Lionel Messi. The boy's passion for the sport provides him with a sense of hope and escape from the harsh realities of his environment. He dreams of playing football and emulating his hero, but the ongoing conflict and violence around him pose significant challenges. As he navigates the dangers of his surroundings, he faces obstacles that threaten his dreams and aspirations. The film captures the boy's determination and resilience as he strives to pursue his love for football amidst the chaos of his life, highlighting the power of dreams and the impact of war on youth.
Characters
- Ali Raad Al-Zaydawi portrays Hamoudi, a young boy with a disability who dreams of playing soccer like his idol, Lionel Messi, driving the emotional core of the story.
- Hayder Helo plays the father of a disabled boy who dreams of becoming a soccer star, supporting his son's aspirations amidst challenging circumstances.
- Noor Al-Hoda is a young, determined boy who dreams of becoming a football star despite his physical disability, inspiring hope and resilience in his war-torn community.
Ending Explained
In Baghdad Messi, the ending encapsulates the struggles and dreams of a young boy living in war-torn Iraq. The film culminates in a poignant moment where the protagonist's passion for football becomes a symbol of hope amidst chaos. After facing numerous obstacles, including the harsh realities of life in a conflict zone, the boy's determination to watch a crucial football match featuring his idol leads him to a series of challenges. As the narrative unfolds, the boy's journey reflects the broader themes of aspiration and resilience in the face of adversity. In the final scenes, he manages to find a way to watch the match, which serves as a moment of escape and joy. However, the harsh realities of his environment intrude, reminding the audience that dreams can be fleeting in a world filled with violence and uncertainty. The ending reinforces the idea that while the boy's immediate conflict is resolved through his love for football, the larger societal issues remain unresolved. This bittersweet conclusion highlights the contrast between the innocence of childhood dreams and the harshness of reality, leaving viewers with a sense of both hope and melancholy.