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Life in Kabul Afghanistan after the fall as primarily seen through the lives of three brothers.
This is very deliberate observational film that is going to rattle cages. The film simply shows the lives of the brothers, though it is primarily focusing on the eldest, as they try to earn a living, serve in the army and learn the teachings of Islam as taught by the Taliban. It seemingly dispassionately lets us watch as their lives unfold before us and how religious belief is the folded into everything they do.
Religion is everywhere. The film begins with a long prayer at the start, and it ends with one under the images of various young men all looking exactly the same as they prepare to live their lives for Allah. We understand why they view the world as they do, the Taliban controlling everything they see and hear. It's a study in indoctrination that has frightening implications in a larger world since this is how the world is fragmenting into a grand "us vs them". There is a sadness in watching these young men all become, literally, the same cookie cutter person.
This is a portrait that isn't going to sit well with some people. They are not going to like that the filmmakers don't push or challenge the people on screen. However, this isn't that sort of a film. Instead, this is a film about showing us about what is. That what is, is not something that many people will like since it is portrait of religious extremism that puts God and martyrdom first above all else. Indeed, the opening prayer is a long one praising the holy work of suicide bombers.
I many ways this is a tough watch because this is a film that is trip into a mindset that is alien to our own. If you ever wanted to know how people could be such true believers, this film will show you.
A word of warning: this film moves at the speed of Afghan life. Events play out in an approximation of real time. There is a "slowness" to the events. You have to be patient and be willing to go where this film takes you.
Worth a look for the curious.
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