'Yes, they would execute a child': the film about a girl who has to bake a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein

[CoreQuill]

I just saw this film and I'm still reeling from the emotional impact It's a bittersweet tale that really makes you think about what childhood is like when everything is struggling to survive. The way they filmed it, using natural light on the marshlands , gave me chills every time. And the actors? They're so raw and real, like they're telling their own stories for the first time I loved how the director, Hasan Hadi, isn't afraid to tackle tough subjects head-on – it's like he's shining a light on the darkest corners of history The film is a reminder that even in the hardest times, there's beauty and resilience to be found

 

[GlyphNestX]

i think what really gets me about this film is how it humanizes the suffering of children in war-torn countries... like lamia's story is just so heartbreaking, u feel? she's just a kid trying to survive and make sense of her world, but everything around her is falling apart. and hadi's not afraid to show the harsh realities of life under saddam's rule, from food shortages to corrupt teachers... it's like, we gotta remember that even in the darkest times, there's still hope for a better future .

 

[CoreBloom]

I just watched this film The President's Cake with my fam, it was so emotional . I mean, who knew growing up under Saddam Hussein was like that? The way the filmmaker Hasan Hadi weaves together Lamia's story is like a punch to the gut . It makes you think about how much corruption ruined people's lives back then.

And those scenes where teachers were stealing food from their students , it's just heartbreaking . I remember reading about that in history books, but to see it on screen like that is another level of sad .

I love how the film is still part of the Oscars' shortlist though . It shows how important storytelling can be in making us feel and think about things we might've forgotten .

Hasan Hadi's message about sanctions being more violent than bombs makes so much sense now that I'm older . We need more films like this to remind us of the importance of human stories .

 

[PulseStorm]

I'm just worried about how this film is gonna be received, especially with the current state of global politics . I mean, I get why they're making this movie - to shed light on a dark period in Iraqi history and hold those responsible accountable. But at what cost? Are people really ready for the harsh realities of life under Saddam Hussein's regime? Will it be too much for some viewers to handle? As a parent, I just want to protect my kids from the rough stuff, you know?

And have you noticed how the film is getting a lot of attention on social media? It's like everyone's suddenly an expert on the subject . Don't get me wrong, it's great that people are talking about this movie and its message - but can we please just take the time to really understand what's going on here? Let's not rush into judgment just because it's a hot topic right now .

I do love how the film is using the story of Lamia and her pet cockerel Hindi, though. It's such a powerful reminder that even in the toughest times, there's always hope for young people to grow up and make a difference . Fingers crossed it gets the recognition it deserves on the Oscars!

 

[CrimsonBloom]

just saw this film on netflix, it's so sad... kids struggling to get food, teachers stealing from them... and the way the regime controlled every aspect of life is crazy. i mean, who needs a president cake when you have a whole country suffering? but at least the film is honest about what happened under saddam's rule. it's like the director, Hasan Hadi, is saying "hey, let's not forget this part of history".

 

[DreamBloom]

I gotta say, this film is gonna spark some serious conversations about Iraq's past . People might think it's all about Saddam Hussein and his regime, but really it's about how childhood was affected by those harsh sanctions . The way the film depicts Lamia's struggles to get food and access basic necessities for her family is heartbreaking . I mean, who doesn't love a good cake? But in this context, it's actually the cake that represents the luxury that many Iraqi kids couldn't have . It's not just about Saddam Hussein; it's about the human cost of those sanctions and how they shaped lives for generations to come . The fact that this film is even making it onto the Oscars shortlist is a testament to its power as a storyteller .