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City of Ghosts 2017

Amidst the devastation of war-torn Raqqa, a group of citizen journalists known as "Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently" courageously work to document and expose the brutal actions of ISIS. The film provides unprecedented access to their efforts as they risk their lives to reveal the truth from within their homeland. Facing constant danger, the collective is forced to flee, continuing their mission to shine a light on the atrocities and demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit against overwhelming adversity.

Amidst the devastation of war-torn Raqqa, a group of citizen journalists known as "Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently" courageously work to document and expose the brutal actions of ISIS. The film provides unprecedented access to their efforts as they risk their lives to reveal the truth from within their homeland. Facing constant danger, the collective is forced to flee, continuing their mission to shine a light on the atrocities and demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit against overwhelming adversity.

Does City of Ghosts have end credit scenes?

No!

City of Ghosts does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of City of Ghosts

Explore the complete cast of City of Ghosts, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for City of Ghosts

See how City of Ghosts is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where City of Ghosts stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

80

City of Ghosts delivers a commanding portrayal of citizen journalism under siege, marked by its resolute depiction of bravery and suffering. The film navigates between tactical discussions and intimate reflections with clear purpose, though some moments linger in observational waits. Critics praise its unflinching representation of violence and the strategic use of media as a weapon, while some viewers found the pacing uneven. Overall, it offers a compelling testament to the power and peril of free press.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for City of Ghosts

90
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of visual composition and editorial control, the direction demonstrates assured confidence. The film’s framing alternates between the claustrophobic safety of hideouts and wide shots of conflict, creating contrast and focus. Editing is purposeful, guiding viewers through strategy sessions and frontline footage with clarity. Although certain sequences extend beyond narrative necessity, the overall art and craft remain coherent and purposeful.

88
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the documentary excels at humanizing its subjects. The men of RBSS are portrayed with empathy, revealing vulnerability in moments of silent grief and warmth in their rare celebrations. Their interpersonal interactions establish authentic chemistry, conveying solidarity and sacrifice. The result is a nuanced emotional portrait that underscores the personal stakes behind the broader political struggle.

72
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of narrative flow and coherence, the film effectively structures its material around meetings, field operations, and reflective interludes. It provides clear context for the group’s mission and the propaganda tactics they combat. However, the pacing occasionally stalls in extended observational segments that offer little new information. On balance, the story remains engaging but uneven in its distribution of informative versus contemplative scenes.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the documentary’s raw imagery and ambient sound design create an immersive environment. The absence of a traditional score places emphasis on real-world audio—distant gunfire, hushed conversations, and the hum of digital devices. Visual consistency across diverse footage preserves cohesion. While the unembellished style reinforces authenticity, it may feel austere to viewers seeking more dynamic audiovisual flair.

60
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Regarding rewatch factor, the weighty subject matter and somber tone may limit repeated viewings. Its unrelenting focus on brutal realities and extended reflective passages can feel taxing on subsequent watches. Nevertheless, its informational value and the strength of its human stories may reward those interested in documentary craft and contemporary media struggle. Ultimately, its lasting appeal is tied to its educational impact rather than light entertainment.

Metacritic

86

Metascore

6.1

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

98%

TOMATOMETER

review

83%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

69

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.8

Movie Insider

5.00/5

From 3 fan ratings

Awards & Nominations for City of Ghosts

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by City of Ghosts, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how City of Ghosts and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


71st British Academy Film Awards 2018

Matthew Heineman
Nomination

Best Documentary

Matthew Heineman

70th Directors Guild of America Awards 2018

Matthew Heineman
Win

Documentaries

Matthew Heineman

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for City of Ghosts

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from City of Ghosts. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


City of Ghosts – Official US Trailer | Amazon Studios

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


journalistjournalismsyriaisisraqqa syriaislamic terrorismislamic statecitizen journalistawardaward ceremonyloss of friendbeheadeddead bodycrying manislamic extremismislamic extremistbombingislamic fundamentalistsyrian civil warsyrian warsyriangermanyprotestcell phonefacebooktwittermediatv interviewloss of fatherdeath of brotherloss of brothergriefmourningfuneralcnnpropagandaexecutionpublic executionshot in the headdeathbeheadingturkeyweddinggraffitilaptop computerdeath of frienddeath of father

Articles, Reviews & Explainers About City of Ghosts

Stay updated on City of Ghosts with in-depth articles, critical reviews, and ending explainers. Explore hidden meanings, major themes, and expert insights into the film’s story and impact.


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