When the friend is the enemy
924260
Hassan (Ayad Akhtar) is a Pakistani engineer working in Paris. One day, he is accosted by persons unknown, thrown into a van and injected with a knock-out drug, He awakens in a Karachi prison cell, where he is tortured. Befriended by another prisoner, he converts (or reverts) to a radical branch of Islam and takes on a terror mission to New York City.

The particulars of the movie - the whys and hows of how terrorists could wreak havoc in the US -- are the least important aspect of this film. More important is the contrast between Muslims friends and families with ties to the old world and those who have made their homes in the US. The Americanized Muslims are making necessary accommodations to their new country. Their children are losing their native languages; they are no longer unquestioningly respectful of their parents. The parents, for their part, enjoy the wealth they are able to amass in their adopted homeland. They dabble with alcohol; rub shoulders with Christians and Jews; their sisters date white Americans.

The contrasts and connections between Hassan and old friends Sayeed and Duri are complex. As much as they appreciate Hassan's religious devotion, they are clearly uncomfortable with it. They are kept unaware of Hassan's personal suffering, so they do not completely comprehend the effect that Hassan's brother's death has on him. Neither do they realize that Hassan continues to pursue his original mission. How will they react if they learn of it?

One of the most poignant and telling scenes takes place when Hassan, learning the ropes in a limousine service, is taught the route to and from the airport. At one point, the car's driver points out the previous location of the Twin Towers. The driver's obviously rueful expression of loss is contrasted with that of Hassan. Expressing not the slightest bit emotion, Hassan conveys that he interprets the destruction of the towers quite differently.

This is a very solid movie that attempts to tackle many thorny issues about the post-9/11 world. Bad things happen to some people, who sometimes react with violence. Whether the violence is born of revenge or hatred or inner malice, it is used by still others for their own purposes. This person may inhabit the same space as friends and countrymen, but he is not of the same world. From this new perspective, events take on different and even hideous meanings that force action down certain narrow pathways to their inevitable conclusions.

"The War Within" offers no answers to this situation. It offers little in the way of analysis, and does not presume to make a statement about the cause of terrorism. It simply shows the trajectory of one man who is ripped from the inertial pull of his safe life and sent hurtling onto a path of destruction. A very interesting and well-made film, deliciously under-acted by the entire cast.
3528987
Interesting what people will do to bring down others.
1212796
Every one should be aware that we live in a world of enemies.  Many are trying to kill "US" all the time.  A democratic republic must have hard men to keep the majority safe.  While this is a novel, I believe that to be the crux of the United States of America stay the freest country on this earth.
2329195
The avengers fighting each other is not what I would expect,  Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.  I guess if you are into battles your ok with it, but not when friends fight friends.
3151736
More exciting action!  There are betrayals and friends that have become enemies.  There is redemption for some, and allies that are taken by evil.  Ends on a cliff hanger!
3856860
I'd give it 5 but my friends are pansies. Not your fault, of course, but this basically just becomes UNO unless your friends are ballsy af
3051406
Episode 12 shows that in this world friends and family can be your worst enemies. Revenge is always a double edged sword. Great action and unexpected consequences makes this series an exciting read . I have enjoyed the plots, the characters, the dialogue and the romance.
2793535
Who needs enemies anyway when your own best friends want to murder you?
When Jennifer threatens to turn her friends in for cheating, they casually decide to kill her. Nice kiddies.
Strangely, each 'friend' that attempts to do the killing somehow ends up dead themselves.
What is going on? Does Jennifer know of their plans?Is she 'getting them' before they 'get her'.
Read this suspenseful story, and be shocked by something you never expected..
2663870
With friends like this who needs enemies! This story really makes you wonder if u really know people. Sounds like this woman had a psychotic breakdown or something because of her looks. Her getting rid of her and her friends imperfections made me cringe. This woman was crazy! The way Bradley writes you can really visualize his stories! This was a really great read! Loved it!
4217241
A story about bullying, friendship, and forgiveness.
3099823
The protagonist, Amir, grows on the reader.  At first, he seems too eager or forced in his yearning for release from his deliberate cruelty to Hassan who he recognizes as his  best friend.  But gradually one comes to understand Amir's moment of moral failure that has tremendous consequences for the rest of his life.
664925
Your greatest enemy tends to be your greatest friend and vice versa. Trust, hierarchy and humility. Different times call for different alliances
3640230
Great Book! This is an enjoyable romcom of enemies to friends. The author put a nice spin on the notion of Lizzie holding out for true romance. Jake starts a new job along side Lizzie which is problematic since they have a strained past. I found myself chuckling at the various predicaments in the book. This is an easy read!
2793934
Great illustrations.  Teaches that not all friends are the same or have the same skills.  Teaches how to be a friend and what friends do for each other.
3707167
This was a helpful book even though I oppose the way people go about ending friendships. Definitely a book to read!
847508
I liked the story of the personal feud among the brothers
.Iwoul.
Recommend this book
 To

Friends of similar political views
3034511
The tale of two friends in love with the same woman is not likely to end happily. Their love interest is not true to herself and her decisions are quite self destructive.