Films about Prisoners of War in Afghanistan

Films about Prisoners of War in Afghanistan Soviet-Afghan War Films

This curated list of films delves into the intense and often harrowing experiences of prisoners of war in Afghanistan. These movies offer a window into the resilience, despair, and sometimes hope of those captured during various conflicts in the region. Each film provides a unique perspective on survival, humanity, and the complex geopolitical landscape of Afghanistan, making them invaluable for anyone interested in military history, human rights, or simply compelling storytelling.

The Kite Runner (2007)
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The Kite Runner (2007)

Description: While not exclusively about POWs, it includes scenes of Taliban rule and the impact of war on civilians, offering a backdrop to understand the context of captivity in Afghanistan.

Fact: The film was shot in China due to security concerns in Afghanistan. The book on which the film is based was banned in Afghanistan.

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In the Valley of Elah (2007)
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In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Description: While not directly about POWs, it deals with the aftermath of a soldier's disappearance, exploring themes of captivity and the impact on families.

Fact: Tommy Lee Jones was nominated for an Academy Award for his role. The film was based on the real-life story of Richard Davis.

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Redacted (2007)
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Redacted (2007)

Description: This film, presented in a faux-documentary style, includes a subplot where soldiers are captured by insurgents, highlighting the brutality of war.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events, including the Mahmudiyah killings. It was highly controversial upon release.

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Lone Survivor (2013)
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Lone Survivor (2013)

Description: Based on the true story of a Navy SEAL team ambushed by the Taliban, this film captures the essence of survival and the harsh realities faced by soldiers in Afghanistan.

Fact: The film was shot in New Mexico, which was chosen for its terrain resembling Afghanistan. Mark Wahlberg lost 40 pounds to portray Marcus Luttrell.

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12 Strong (2018)
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12 Strong (2018)

Description: This film recounts the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11, highlighting the early stages of the war and the plight of those captured.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Horse Soldiers," reflecting the unconventional tactics used by the team. Chris Hemsworth underwent extensive military training for his role.

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The Outpost (2020)
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The Outpost (2020)

Description: This film recounts the Battle of Kamdesh, where U.S. soldiers were vastly outnumbered and faced the possibility of capture or death.

Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, which was transformed to look like Afghanistan. It was based on the book by Jake Tapper.

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The Objective (2008)
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The Objective (2008)

Description: A CIA operative leads a team into Afghanistan to investigate mysterious phenomena, but the film also touches on the theme of captivity and survival in hostile territory.

Fact: The film was shot in Morocco to simulate the Afghan landscape. It was released directly to video in the UK.

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Kandahar (2001)
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Kandahar (2001)

Description: An Iranian engineer, mistaken for a spy, attempts to escape from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, providing insight into the perils of being a captive in the region.

Fact: The film was shot in Iran, with some scenes filmed in the actual Afghan border areas. It was one of the first films to depict the Taliban's rule.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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The Wall (2017)
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The Wall (2017)

Description: Two American soldiers are pinned down by an Iraqi sniper, illustrating the tension and fear of being trapped in enemy territory.

Fact: The entire film takes place in one location, showcasing the psychological warfare aspect of captivity. The sniper's voice was provided by an Iraqi actor.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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The Beast (2011)
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The Beast (2011)

Description: A French Foreign Legion soldier is captured by the Taliban, and the film explores his psychological and physical battle for survival.

Fact: The film was shot in Morocco, which doubled for Afghanistan. It was inspired by real events during the French military operations in Afghanistan.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
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