TERRORISM: Ten years ago, it was something that only happened in certain parts of the world that you weren’t likely to visit anyway.
Times have changed, and the idea of homegrown terrorism is still one that takes some getting used to.
What is the next step in moving forward knowing we live in an age of global terrorism?
For subversive UK satirist Chris Morris, it’s time to have a laugh.
A daring call, but with the foresight that comedy is a part of the future necessary evolution of society in dealing with these challenges.
Morris’ feature film debut Four Lions manages to humanise the threat and view it through the satirist’s perspective that humans are inherently ridiculous and prone to the sort of farcical behaviour that makes for great comedy.
Morris’ realisation came after reading reports of genuine failed terrorism plots, such as the would-be suicide bombers who planned to ram an explosive-laden boat into a US warship, but in their enthusiasm loaded so much explosive that the boat sank the moment they stepped on deck.
There is a lot riding on humour – if the gags didn’t squarely hit the targets, the film could blow up in Morris’ face like an incompetent bomb-maker – but it succeeds thanks to hilarious dialogue, sharp social and political observation, and good old physical and visual comedy.
The story follows a disorganised group of radical UK Muslims who can barely make a simple video, let alone spark a world-order changing clash of civilisations.
There are mates Omar (Riz Ahmed) and Hassan (Arsher Ali), confused youth Waj (Kayvan Novak), slow-witted Faisal (Adeel Akhtar) – who may actually be the brightest of the lot in that he is not so keen on blowing himself up – and white English convert Barry (Nigel Lindsay).
Blustering Barry’s militant radicalism is really just an outlet for his inherent sociopathic nihilism.
He wants to “radicalise the moderates” by bombing his local mosque, but still thinks it’s a good idea to release a video claiming responsibility for the attack.
Four Lions is an illuminating balancing act that shines welcome light on serious issues, in the process creating some measure of empathy and understanding of extremists who have previously been dehumanised.
Four Lions (M)
Directed by: Chris Morris
Starring: Riz Ahmed, Arsher Ali
Rating: Three and a half stars
Screening: from August 19
Reviewed By Christian Wilkinson