Afghan Muscles

An insightful documentary about war-ravaged, post-Taliban-ruled Afghanistan told from a unique perspective, Andreas Dalsgaard's Afghan Muscles profiles a restless Kabul bodybuilder named Hamid Shirzai. With few prospects for advancement in the seventh poorest nation on earth, Hamid and a number of other Afghan bodybuilders have turned to the sport in hopes that recognition will enable them to open their own gyms and make a living. Hamid spends a lot of time toning his considerable muscles, but doesn't have the money for dietary supplements or other aids, and worries constantly about where he's going to get the cash to keep his dream alive for even a few more days (Hamid not only has his own ambitions, but also carries those of his late uncle and brother, both bodybuilders who were killed while traveling to a competition). Afghan Muscles focuses on a period during which Hamid has several contests scheduled, including competitions for “Mr. Afghan” and “Mr. Asia.” The latter takes Hamid (traveling with his team) on his first airplane trip—landing in glitzy Dubai, which stands in complete contrast to the “mudhole” that Kabul resembles from the air. One needn't be particularly interested in bodybuilding to appreciate Afghan Muscles, which offers an interesting window onto a city and its people as they struggle to carve out a future in the midst of street battles and destruction. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)