Shadow World

Synopsis

Shadow World is a compelling 2016 documentary directed by Johan Grimonprez, featuring former South African politician and anti-corruption campaigner Andrew Feinstein as he exposes the dark underbelly of the global arms trade. The film meticulously unravels the complex network of corruption, greed, and manipulation underpinning international arms deals that fuel conflict and instability worldwide. Through investigative insights and interviews, it delves into how powerful political and corporate interests perpetuate violence for profit, challenging viewers to reconsider the true cost of war beyond the battlefield. Shadow World presents a sobering critique of the global military-industrial complex and its far-reaching implications.

Cast

• 

  Andrew Feinstein

  Self - Arms Industry Expert

• 

  David Leigh

  Self - Journalist

• Helen Garlick

  Self - British Prosecutor

• Riccardo Privitera

  Self - Arms Dealer

• Pierre Sprey

  Self - Former Defense Analyst

• Vijay Prashad

  Self - Journalist

Reviews

Critically, Shadow World has been well received for its eye-opening exploration of an often-hidden subject. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.5/10, reflecting generally positive viewer feedback appreciating its depth and investigative approach. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official score, but individual critics have praised the film’s meticulous research and the persuasive narrative led by Andrew Feinstein. For example, The Guardian lauded the documentary for its "rigorous and haunting examination" of global arms dealings, highlighting how the film "skillfully links corruption to global conflict." Meanwhile, some reviews note the documentary's dense content and complex subject matter may challenge casual viewers, indicating that it requires close attention to fully grasp the intricate web of information presented. Metacritic does not list a score but has comments recognizing it as a "crucial and provocative documentary" shedding light on the shadowy arms trade industry. Overall, Shadow World is appraised as an informative and unsettling watch that encourages awareness and critical thinking about geopolitical power dynamics and ethics.