The War Within

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dave s The War Within is a surprisingly objective examination of Islamic terrorism and the threat it poses against the United States. Hassan, an engineering student studying in Paris and suspected of being an extremist, is abducted by American operatives and brutally tortured. Years later, now fully radicalized, he arrives in New York with plans to bomb Grand Central Station. The film refuses to judge him and takes no moral stance regarding his actions or the previous actions by the American government that triggers his hatred; it is simply an observation of the impact of cause and effect. Everything about the movie is subdued – there are no car cases, explosions, or sanctimonious diatribes. It is simply an observation of what happens when neither side of an issue will acknowledge the needs of its adversary, which makes it all the more chilling and impactful. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member It's quite a flat plot. Not too much power to think. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member interesting indy drama Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Great insight into the mind of a terrorist. A fabulously non-preachy political film. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Ayad Akhtar is entirely believable and a marvelous actor. Saw the film on DVD from Netflix and well worth the time. Gives the viewer much to reflect upon. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Audience Member While most modern family dramas are concerned with dynamics and generational gaps and most films on terrorism are punched up into action films, this one crosspollinates with astounding effects. The conceit is simple: what if a Pakistani man who feels he is pushed to join the ranks of a terrorist cell confronts a moral dilemma when he reconnects with an old friend in the United States? In the film's first act, the protagonist is on a bus waiting to be dropped off at Grand Central Station carrying a bomb as part of a plan to demolish major landmarks across New York. At the last minute, the plan is foiled, and he is one of two who escapes capture, so he seeks refuge with an old friend and his family. You may be able to predict much of the riffing in the film's middle, particularly when he encounters those who would dissuade or enhance his wavering beliefs, but thankfully the film stays away from the expected by avoiding rampant, unjust persecution of foreigners by United States government. What really puts this film over the top is the blase way in which terrorism is displayed. The protagonist never comes across as a madman, and even as he is seen tampering with bombs, he never feels unsympathetic. Better yet, the film's climax is up for grabs until the final minute. This should appeal to a variety of interested parties, but more than anything, those looking for a good drama that is different from everything else need look no further. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The War Within

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