Filmmakers Hemal Trivedi and Mohammed Ali Naqvi's documentary offers a genuinely frightening glimpse inside the jihadist mentality, focusing on Pakistani cleric Abdul Aziz, whose Red Mosque in Islamabad directs a large number of madrasas that are hotbeds of anti-government radicalism—training thousands of youths not only in the Quran but in the violent ways of the Taliban and ISIS. In extended interview clips, Aziz declares his determination to see his country brought totally under Sharia law, and he vividly describes how his views have evolved, recalling what he sees as the American betrayal of jihadists in Afghanistan (where he fought against the Russians), the assassination of his father, and the 2007 siege of his mosque during which many of his family members and over a hundred of his followers were killed (he readily admits that he tried to escape by disguising himself in a burqa). Interviews are also conducted with students, boys whose recitation of the Quran does not suggest an understanding of the meaning of the verses but whose fanatical devotion to Aziz's cause is clear. The opposing view within Pakistan is represented by Pervez Hoodbhoy, a scientist who leads vocal protests against the government's inability to stem the violence perpetrated by Aziz's acolytes in instances such as the 2014 massacre of schoolchildren in Peshawar. Also critical is Zarina, a girl who fled a fundamentalist madrasa but was forced into an arranged marriage for financial reasons. Remarkably sober and evenhanded in its examination of an explosive subject (while also including archival footage to add context), Among the Believers is an amazingly revealing portrait of Islamic radicalism that is both enlightening and terrifying. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (F. Swietek)
Among the Believers
First Run, 84 min., in English & Urdu w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.99 Volume 32, Issue 1
Among the Believers
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