Terrorism has been very closely related to Muslim, at least in the United States post-9/11 living hell. Books, articles, songs, and even movies have taken their part in recording and repackaging the tragedy... with one of the most well-known: "My Name Is Khan", starring Shahrukh Khan. Some still think terrorism is Islam, while others start to reconsider their thought.
"Reluctant Fundamentalist" (2013) is another movie bringing up the issue of terrorism. However, instead of focusing on who's to blame, this extraordinary movie flashes the spotlight on both sides of coin. Adapted from Mohsin Hamid's novel under the same title, the story revolves around a man named Changez Khan, pre- and post-9/11.
As the movie's played, you will find your thoughts swayed between blaming the Pakistanis or judging the Americans. Changez was a rising star in his American company before the WTC bombing occurred. Following the event are drastic changes in Changez' life. There are scenes where Changez seems so unfairly judged just because he looks like a part of the supposedly terrorist's racial clan. Other scenes, however, show how rough the Pakistanis can be for receiving poor treatment from their fellow Americans. This, especially, is shown by Changez' change of behavior.
Overall, this movie talks about how an event which, at first, believed irrelevant can really turn one's life upside down. Then, there is also a talk about identity. Indeed, Changez has his life turned upside down just because he comes from the same race with the terrorists. Too bad, no matter how hard he tries to show his colleagues that not all of them Arabs are ruthless, people already distant themselves from Changez.
"Reluctant Fundamentalist" is one of the successful movie to be wishy-washily neutral. It can be confusing more often than not, but it surely is great. This movie surely deserves to be glorified. Be them facts or fiction, this movie has shown the 'truth' of the 9/11 effect without preferring any sides. So, folks, stop whatever it is you're doing right now and go grab your copy to see how Changez deals with things!
(Courtesy of image: Google)
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