Brits are famous for their dark (tragi)-comedies, containing deaths and unhappy endings, but they usually depict traditional British or modern metropolitan life - but still based on "European" values. Four Lions emanates totally from Islamic culture and focuses on its nasty offshoot - terrorist jihad.
I am not familiar with the topic - only through mass media - as Estonia has some thousands Muslims only and jihad views are probably hold by dozens of them, but I still feel uneasy to laugh at ignorance and hurting people; funerals and like are a different issue for me. The plot was not evenly interesting, at times slow and with bulked out jokes, and scenes towards the ending began to develop a bit too fast. True, it has some twisted originality and those more familiar with Muslim immigrants are probably able to squeeze out more and observe funny parallels closely. But even I had my moments of giggle and I can't say that I got bored. The ending could have had more bright moments though.
As for the cast, Riz Ahmed – Omar, Kayvan Novak – Waj and Nigel Lindsay – Barry were most catchy (well, why did Benedict Cumberbatch have a small and stupid role only?), but I can't remember I have seen them before, so there was no joy of recognition and possibility to compare.
All in all, a decent dark comedy, but personally I know a couple of people only I would dare to recommend to watch it...
I am not familiar with the topic - only through mass media - as Estonia has some thousands Muslims only and jihad views are probably hold by dozens of them, but I still feel uneasy to laugh at ignorance and hurting people; funerals and like are a different issue for me. The plot was not evenly interesting, at times slow and with bulked out jokes, and scenes towards the ending began to develop a bit too fast. True, it has some twisted originality and those more familiar with Muslim immigrants are probably able to squeeze out more and observe funny parallels closely. But even I had my moments of giggle and I can't say that I got bored. The ending could have had more bright moments though.
As for the cast, Riz Ahmed – Omar, Kayvan Novak – Waj and Nigel Lindsay – Barry were most catchy (well, why did Benedict Cumberbatch have a small and stupid role only?), but I can't remember I have seen them before, so there was no joy of recognition and possibility to compare.
All in all, a decent dark comedy, but personally I know a couple of people only I would dare to recommend to watch it...