Zero Dark Thirty, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal, is a 2012 suspenseful action war film based on recent events that surround the hunt for Osama bin Laden, leader of the infamous terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. Although the film was regarded quite favorably by most critics and won numerous awards, it also generated a lot of controversy. Most of the controversy has centered on the film's historical accuracy and questions about where it obtained certain classified information. Despite the criticism, the film's creators reported that the film was "based on first-hand accounts of real events" at the beginning of the film (Bigelow). However, there is the question of how accurate is Zero Dark Thirty? How much of the film is based on fact and how much is based on fiction to appeal to general audiences? While some argue that the film is purely a work of fiction that simply has a historical basis and should be treated as such, others argue that Zero Dark Thirty and its makers have questionable ethics and that the film presents a larger problem. film, I and other University of Maryland students listened to a talk given by William Braniff, executive director of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START). In his speech, Braniff highlighted the truth behind terrorism, its causes and the effects it has around the world. He also mentioned the film Zero Dark Thirty and how the media in general tends to portray terrorism to the public, who tend not to know much about terrorism since it is often a private government matter. Another distinguishing factor of terrorism is that it is not just a political act... middle of paper... that has been hidden from public view, which is ultimately what needs to be done to create public awareness about the indicators of terrorism can help prevent terrorism-related crimes. Works Cited Bigelow, Kathryn, dir. Zero Dark Thirty. Screenplay by Mark Boal. Columbia Pictures, 2012.Film.Braniff, William. “Ethics and Film: Zero Dark Thirty.” University student judiciary. HoffTheater, University of Maryland. March 31, 2014. Speech.Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. “Ethics on Film: Discussion of Zero DarkThirty.” Carnegie Council. Carnegie Council, March 11, 2013. Web. May 1, 2014. Dargis, Manohla, and A. O. Scott. “Hollywood vs. History." New York Times Upfront [NewYork] April 1, 2013: 10-11. Print.Gorman, Siobhan. "Filmmaker Obtained Secret Information on Trash Laden Raid." WallStreet Journal [New York] June 5, 2013: A6. Print.