Bhutto

Movie: Bhutto

Genre: biographical documentary

Synopsis: This documentary is the story of Benazir Bhutto.  It starts with the formation of East and West Pakistan and the rise of her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to become the first democratically elected president of Pakistan.  Benazir was his oldest child.  He did the unthinkable and instead of grooming his oldest son to be his political heir, he chose Benazir.  From an early age, she broke from the Islamic mold for women.  When she came of age, she wore a Burqua once – at which point her father decided she would not have to wear the traditional garb. 

When Zulfikar was overthrown and subsequently executed, Benazir determined to pick up his political reins, ultimately getting elected Prime Minister as the first woman to lead a Muslim country.  She was removed from office following trumped up corruption charges.  She was ultimately elected again, and again removed from office on corruption charges.  Her husband spent a number of years in prison but was never convicted of anything.  During her two stints as Prime Minister, Bhutto accomplished some amazing reforms.  The day she was elected, she ordered all political prisoners freed, she lead the drive that eradicated polio in Pakistan, and she had thousands of schools built.

In 2007, Bhutto returned to Pakistan from a self-imposed exile.  She was the leading opposition candidate in the upcoming 2008 General Elections.  Two weeks before the elections, Bhutto was assassinated; dashing any near-term hopes for a democratic Pakistan.

My two cents: A fascinating look at one of the most powerful women of our time.  Bhutto’s accomplishments would be extraordinary for a man, but for a woman in an Islamic world they are truly extraordinary. I found interesting the parallels between the Bhutto family and the Kennedys – both in the number of family members who rose to political prominence and in the tragic deaths of so many.

The movie presents a great look at the history of Pakistan and at its continual conflict with India  . . . which directly led to both nations developing nuclear weapons.

The two things in the movie that hit me the most:

1. How incredibly sad and tragic Bhutto’s assassination was.  If the 2008 election had been fairly conducted, it seemed pretty clear she would once again have lead Pakistan.  The country was so close to becoming, again, a democracy.  That chance died along with Bhutto,

2. This movie made me realize how incredibly brilliant and farsighted our own forefathers were when they stipulated in the Constitution that our military ultimately falls under civilian control.  Just watch how the history of Pakistan has affected by their military leader and you will appreciate the wisdom of the authors of our constitution.

Perhaps the saddest part of the movie is the closing interviews with Bhutto’s death in which they describe their last time with their mother.

Bottom line: do not pass up a chance to see this documentary.

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