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Victims of two cultures
Wiley 2022-01-17 08:03:35
This is a profound movie. With the American dream, the protagonist, as the fallen aristocrat of Pakistan, entered Manhattan’s upper class with extraordinary ingenuity and low-key humility, and became one of the top operators of capitalism, but gradually felt the Muslim culture and identity in a series of events. The conflicts and contradictions with this country were irreconcilable, and finally resolutely walked out of the gilded and cold world of Manhattan, gave up the love of huge cultural differences, and returned to the homeland. Back in Pakistan, he found that although the so-called patriotic jihadists seemed to occupy the moral high ground, they were indeed equally stupid, extreme, and cold-blooded. The protagonist's journey from enthusiasm to embarrassment, disappointment, anger, and confusion is vividly portrayed in the movie. As the intersection of two cultures, he is inevitably involved in conflicts and hurts the safety of his family. This is his sorrow as well as the sorrow of mankind. Five stars and 10 points.
Extended Reading
The Reluctant Fundamentalist quotes
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Changez: Pretend I'm him.
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Changez: [about watching the events of 9/11 unfold] In that moment, I should have felt sorrow or anger, but all I felt was awe. What audacity. The ruthlessness of the act was surpassed only by its genius. And David had struck Goliath. I'm sorry if my reaction to the attacks has offended you, Bobby. I hope you see that I'm not celebrating at the death of 3,000 innocents, just as you would not celebrate the death of 100,000 in Baghdad or Kabul, for that matter. But before conscience kicks in, have you never felt a split-second of pleasure at arrogance brought low?
Bobby Lincoln: And you ask me why they're harrassing your family. Let's just cut the bullshit, okay? You believe in violence as a tool for social change. You teach a course in violent revolution at Lahore University. Your lectures are full of anti-American rhetoric.
Changez: [cut to him teaching] We will wipe the blood of the invaders from our swords!
Bobby Lincoln: If that weren't enough, you were spotted at an Asal Mujahideen meeting with Mustafa Fazil, a known cell leader.
Changez: [cut to said meeting] I think I can help.
Mustafa Fazil: I knew you would.
Bobby Lincoln: Last night, Anse Rainier was kidnapped. And this morning, your class was canceled. If you're just an innocent bystander, Changez, why were you hiding? Only guilty people hide.
Changez: Your candor is appreciated, Bobby, but your conclusions are wrong.