The Prisoner: How I Planned To Kill Tony Blair is a documentary that tells the story of an Iraqi journalist, Yunis Khatayer Abbas, who was wrongfully accused of plotting to assassinate the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. The documentary is a dark comedy that highlights the absurdity and irony of the events that unfolded.
The film begins with Yunis telling his story, recounting how he had no political affiliations and was simply trying to report on the conflict in Iraq. However, due to a series of misunderstandings and coincidences, he was taken into custody by British soldiers and accused of plotting to kill Tony Blair. What follows is a Kafkaesque nightmare, as Yunis is shuffled between various detention centers and prisons, enduring abuse and torture at the hands of his captors.
Despite the dark subject matter, the film manages to find humor in the situation. Yunis himself is a witty and charismatic figure, and his dry humor provides a welcome relief from the bleakness of his circumstances. The filmmakers also use clever editing and music choices to create a surreal and almost comedic atmosphere.
However, the film also highlights some serious issues with the Iraq War and the treatment of prisoners in detention centers. Yunis was just one of many Iraqis who were swept up in the chaos of the war and detained without cause or evidence. The film shows how the system of detention and interrogation was deeply flawed, with prisoners being held without trial for months or even years, and subjected to torture and abuse.
The documentary also raises questions about the accountability of those responsible for these actions. Despite overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing, many of the soldiers and officials involved in Yunis’ case faced no consequences for their actions. The film suggests that this lack of accountability is indicative of a wider problem within the military and political establishments, where those in power are able to act with impunity.
Overall, The Prisoner: How I Planned To Kill Tony Blair is a thought-provoking and engaging film that manages to balance humor with serious subject matter. It is a poignant reminder of the injustices that occurred during the Iraq War, and the need for accountability and reform in our legal and political systems.
