Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary takes the viewer behind the scenes to witness the looting of the Baghdad Museum. Live-action shots of tanks, troops, and treasures bring the horror of this act to light. Even worse, it is suspected that the looting was premeditated, as certain items appear to have been handpicked from "shopping lists" carried by the looters. This act is put in historical context: the systematic looting in the recent past that has occurred ever since Gulf War I.

In addition to action footage, a number of people being interviewed provide expert commentary. U.S. and Iraqi officials, eyewitnesses, curators, and authors give their opinions and testimony.

The high quality of the video and audio make this film captivating, no matter how disheartening the subject. To his credit, the director looks at the big picture, which is the fate of many archaeological treasures that end up on the open market. The viewer is taken on a journey of a looted object, from its place of origin to shops that specialize in historical objects, across the border to Jordan or Israel or Switzerland, then on to Canada or New York City or any capital of the world. Visually stunning pieces - sculptures, reliefs, cylinder seals, and jewelry - are shown up close in markets, museums, and private collectors' homes.

Some of the scenes will make the viewer wonder how they were filmed, especially those in mosques and in small shops. These scenes will surely be a first for most viewers. This is media at its educational best.

Who owns antiquities is at the core of this film. This would make an excellent discussion piece in a high school or college history or art class, or for a general public library film night. Excellent production values and the interesting yet controversial topic would make this a fine addition to any video collection.