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Last Hijack (2014) is a criticism of piracy insomuch as there’s really no reason someone would support piracy. But the film doesn’t operate on an agenda, it’s simply attempting to show a violent, unimaginable lifestyle from a different, human perspective.

The film provides a context for piracy by explaining what drives seemingly everyday people to such a risky business. Some of the film’s scenes are animated and some are interview, while others appear staged for the purpose of narrative. They may not be staged, but it’s impossible to know.

“The story of Mohamed, who leaves behind his normal life for the money and excitement of piracy, is illuminating, even if he is never a terribly sympathetic character that the viewer can warm up to. Only through the traumas undergone by his younger cartoon self do the choices he makes become understandable.” - Hollywood Reporter

Understandable, but not necessarily agreeable. Seeing Mohamed’s life story, the examples he’s had, the survivalism he’s endured, the lack of proper education and means he’s been provided, we get insight as to why piracy seems like a legitimate option. Most won’t agree with his decisions, but we can at least get a sense of why he’s made them.