The War Within

The War Within
Cast: Ayad Akhtar, Firdous Bamji
Studio: Magnolia
Rating: 8/10

CORPORATE LINE: The War Within is the story of Hassan, a Pakistani engineering student in Paris who is apprehended by western intelligence services for suspected terrorist activities. After his interrogation, Hassan undergoes a radical transformation and embarks upon a terrorist mission, surreptitiously entering the United States to join a cell based in New York City. After meticulous planning for an event of maximum devastation, all the members of the cell are arrested, except for Hussan and one other. With no alternative and nowhere else to turn, Hassan must rely on the hospitality of his former best friend Sayeed, who is living the American dream with his family in New Jersey. Deciding to go forward and carry out his own attack, Hassan takes advantage of Sayeed’s generosity while plotting his strategy and amassing materials to create explosives. Eventually, Hassan’s skewed religious fervor clashes with his feelings for Sayeed and his family, especially Sayeed’s sister Duri.

THE REVIEW: What makes The War Within intriguing and frightening is a man who thinks he is doing good while doing bad. In this case he is a suicide bomber that is willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his mission—even ruin the lives of friends.

THE EXTRAS:
The commentary with director Joseph Castelo is interesting as he discusses each scene of the film.

Also included are some deleted scenes.

FRANKLY: The fact that Hassan does so well to hide his hatred for America while plotting his bombing is frightening. Hassan’s belief is so strong and full of hate and genuine belief that he is doing right that it’s as scary as any horror film.

+ Charlie Craine


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