The title is from the literal meaning of the term "jihad," which is explained during a memorable sermon. It is also very appropriate, as all the main characters are in the midst of such an internal struggle, not just Hassan.
Many other user comments say what I was going to say, so let me just offer some insights that will help those who have already seen it.
*** Spoilers **** Hassan's struggle is obvious. He has to fight his affection for Sayeed, his memories of his youth with Duri, his gratitude for the help of Sayeed's American friends, etc. In fact, there is a subtle struggle when he first studies Grand Central Station and admires its beauty.
Sayeed is struggling to balance being Pakistani vs. being American. Until Hassan came, the choice was easy.
Duri, faced with disrespect from her American life, is re-evaluating what she may have lost in coming to America.
Khalid's struggle is quite obvious as well. We do not see how his betrayal of Hassan plays out in his heart, though.
The family is then faced with the greatest struggle, that provoked when Sayeed is hauled off as a suspect. THey have been betrayed too, the way Hassan was in the movie's beginning.
I found this to be an intelligent, compassionate and nuanced movie, and a thriller to boot. I think, if I do a movie class again, I'll show this along with Santosh Sivan's Terrorist. 9/10
Many other user comments say what I was going to say, so let me just offer some insights that will help those who have already seen it.
*** Spoilers **** Hassan's struggle is obvious. He has to fight his affection for Sayeed, his memories of his youth with Duri, his gratitude for the help of Sayeed's American friends, etc. In fact, there is a subtle struggle when he first studies Grand Central Station and admires its beauty.
Sayeed is struggling to balance being Pakistani vs. being American. Until Hassan came, the choice was easy.
Duri, faced with disrespect from her American life, is re-evaluating what she may have lost in coming to America.
Khalid's struggle is quite obvious as well. We do not see how his betrayal of Hassan plays out in his heart, though.
The family is then faced with the greatest struggle, that provoked when Sayeed is hauled off as a suspect. THey have been betrayed too, the way Hassan was in the movie's beginning.
I found this to be an intelligent, compassionate and nuanced movie, and a thriller to boot. I think, if I do a movie class again, I'll show this along with Santosh Sivan's Terrorist. 9/10
