Review: The War Within (A-)

The War Within (2005)
Directed by Joseph Castelo
Starring Ayad Akhtar, Firdous Bamji, Nandana Sen and Sarita Choudhury
MPAA: R
Grade: A-

Review by Sebastian Francis Kennedy

One of the most powerful films I have ever seen about terrorism, The War Within is an incredible piece of cinema. The film is controversial, mesmerizing and thought provoking. The War Within is also heartbreaking.

The War Within tells the story of Hassan, a Pakistani student in Paris, who is kidnapped via the US "rendition" program and interrogated. While being held, he transforms from an intellectual sympathizer into a full blown terrorist. After his release, he slips into New York City to join with an underground terrorist cell. The members of the cell are apprehended, except for Hassan and Khalid. The two plan a separate terrorist act and begin preparations.

With the terrorist cell under arrest, Hassan is forced to join up with an old friend Sayeed, who is now living in New Jersey. Sayeed and his family have embraced America and the freedoms afforded them. As Hassan works closer and closer to his terrorist act, he begins to struggle with the demons pushing him towards destruction. Hence, the War Within.

The War Within is a film that bravely shows the people behind the evil force of terrorism, and not just in strokes of black and white. Terrorists are human beings and they have shades of gray, positives and negatives to their personality. They believe in what they are doing, so much so that they are willing to take the lives of innocent people in order to further their goals. Their fanaticism drives them to these horrible deeds. Seeing these forces at work is the genius behind The War Within.

The War Within is a bold, original feature film that deserves to be seen. My only hope is that the film is not politicized, or marginalized due to it's subject matter. See this film on DVD and judge for yourself. You will not be disappointed.