Young Ahmed

Young Ahmed is a gripping drama film that was released in 2019. The movie tells the story of a 13-year-old Muslim boy named Ahmed (played by Idir Ben Addi) who lives in Belgium with his family. Ahmed strongly believes in his religion and is influenced by a radical imam. The movie was directed by brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, who are known for their social realist films.

Ahmed is shown as a devout Muslim who regularly prays and strictly follows the tenets of his religion. However, his beliefs become increasingly extreme as he starts listening to the teachings of an extremist imam in his local mosque. Ahmed becomes convinced that he has a duty to defend his faith and becomes obsessed with the idea of killing his non-Muslim teacher (played by Myriem Akheddiou) after she shows a documentary about the Prophet Muhammad in class.

The movie follows Ahmed's journey as he becomes increasingly radicalized and isolated from his family and friends. His mother is worried about the changes in her son and seeks help from a moderate imam (played by Olivier Bonnaud) to talk to him. However, Ahmed refuses to listen and continues to plot his teacher's murder.

The tension in the movie builds up as Ahmed's plan becomes more and more clear. He starts to behave erratically and the audience is left wondering whether he will carry out his plan or whether he will be stopped before it's too late.

The movie is shot in a very realistic and gritty style, with handheld cameras and natural lighting. The Dardenne brothers are known for their realistic approach to filmmaking and this film is no exception. The actors are mostly unknown and give very naturalistic performances that add to the feeling of authenticity.

One of the most powerful aspects of the movie is its portrayal of the complex issue of extremism and radicalization. It doesn't try to oversimplify the problem or provide easy solutions, but rather shows how factors such as family dynamics, peer pressure, and exposure to extremist ideology can contribute to a young person becoming radicalized.

Young Ahmed is a thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about the nature of extremism and the challenge of preventing radicalization. It is a tense and emotionally powerful film that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Young Ahmed is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in exploring the issue of extremism and its effects on young people. The movie is a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and empathy in countering radicalization. It is a testament to the Dardenne brothers' skill as filmmakers and their ability to delve into complex social issues with nuance and sensitivity.