Backstabbing for Beginners Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A naive newbie at the UN gets a crash course in international corruption, learns that the only constant is backstabbing, and probably gets a bad case of trust issues.

🍿 Backstabbing for Beginners: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Michael Sullivan

In 2002, Michael Sullivan, a young and idealistic man from a family of diplomats, secures a position at the United Nations. He’s assigned to work as an assistant to Costa Pasaris (Pasha), the Undersecretary for the Oil for Food program. The program aims to provide humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people in exchange for Iraqi oil.

Unveiling the Corruption

As Michael dives into his work, he begins to notice inconsistencies and signs of corruption within the program. Expired medications are being delivered to Iraqi hospitals, and there are discrepancies in the financial records. He starts to trust Nashim Hussani, his Iraqi interpreter, who reveals even deeper issues, including the suspicious death of Michael’s predecessor.

Conflicting Loyalties

Michael finds himself torn between his loyalty to Pasha, who acts as a mentor, and his growing suspicion that Pasha is involved in the corruption. He must decide who to trust as he uncovers more evidence of kickbacks and illicit deals, all while navigating the dangerous political landscape of pre-war Iraq. The tension builds as Michael realizes the extent of the betrayal and the risks involved in exposing the truth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michael Sullivan (Theo James): A young and idealistic UN program coordinator who uncovers a conspiracy within the Oil for Food program.
• Pasha Pasaris (Ben Kingsley): The Undersecretary-General in charge of the Oil for Food program, who operates in morally ambiguous ways.
• Nashim Hussani (Belçim Bilgin): Michael’s Iraqi interpreter, who provides crucial information and becomes a love interest.
• Christina Dupre (Jacqueline Bisset): The Field Director in Iraq who suspects corruption within the Oil for Food program.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pasha: “The first rule of diplomacy is that the truth is not a matter of fact, it’s a matter of consensus.” – Pasha explains to Michael the pragmatic, often morally ambiguous, nature of international relations.
• Pasha: “Sometimes, you have to get your hands dirty to do good in this world.” – Pasha attempts to justify the corruption within the Oil-for-Food program to Michael.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,644
• Worldwide Gross: $367,000

💥 Backstabbing for Beginners Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Backstabbing for Beginners’ to be a decent watch, mainly because I enjoy political thrillers. The story kept me engaged, and the performances were solid. The way Michael’s idealism crumbled as he uncovered the corruption was really impactful. I especially liked the scenes in Baghdad – they felt authentic and added to the tension. It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s worth checking out if you’re into these types of stories. The way it ended, with just a few lines on the screen about how the perpetrators were punished, left me thinking there could be a sequel that is better than the original. Overall, it left me wanting more.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in political thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy movies based on true events”
  • “Fans of Theo James and Ben Kingsley”
  • “People interested in international politics and diplomacy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Corruption”
  • “Political intrigue”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While ‘Backstabbing for Beginners’ tackles a complex real-world scandal, it struggles to maintain consistent dramatic tension, resulting in a somewhat underwhelming thriller.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film is informative but lacks depth, failing to fully explore the intricate web of corruption it attempts to expose. Ben Kingsley delivers a strong performance, but it’s not enough to elevate the film.

Audience Reactions

Ben Kingsley’s performance as the morally ambiguous Pasha was a standout.: Viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to shed light on a complex and controversial historical event.

The film’s pacing and lack of dramatic tension were criticized by some.: Viewers considered this a predictable film, and it felt long

Overall Consensus: ‘Backstabbing for Beginners’ is a watchable but flawed political thriller, offering a glimpse into the UN’s ‘Oil for Food’ scandal, but struggling to deliver a truly compelling cinematic experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Michael Soussan’s memoir ‘Backstabbing for Beginners: My Crash Course in International Diplomacy’.”
• “Josh Hutcherson was originally cast in the lead role but dropped out due to safety concerns about filming in Morocco and Jordan.”

🖥️ How to Watch Backstabbing for Beginners?

As of October 2024, “Backstabbing for Beginners” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Backstabbing for Beginners, you might like these similar films:

• The Constant Gardener (2005): Deals with corruption within pharmaceutical companies and international aid, highlighting moral dilemmas and political intrigue.
• Syriana (2005): Explores the complex web of political and economic interests surrounding the oil industry in the Middle East.
• Fair Game (2010): A dramatization of the Valerie Plame affair, showcasing political scandal and government deception in the lead-up to the Iraq War.

🛒 Backstabbing for Beginners Related Products

• The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11: Pulitzer Prize-winning book that provides the historical context surrounding the political events depicted in the movie. Understand the real-world events that set the stage for ‘Backstabbing for Beginners’.
• LEGO United Nations Headquarters: Iconic architectural set for collectors and fans of global institutions. Depicts the headquarters, offering a hands-on building experience. Limited Edition.
• Diplomacy Board Game: A strategic board game of negotiation and alliances, challenging players to navigate complex political landscapes. Test your backstabbing skills!
• I Survived the Beirut Bombing, 1983 (I Survived): This is a fictional story about a boy whose father was killed in the Beirut bombing. It’s recommended for children ages 8-12.

🎧 Soundtrack

Backstabbing for Beginners features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Self Portrait” – performed by Todor Kobakov

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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