Watch Among the Believers

Among the Believers is a thought-provoking and powerful 2015 documentary that explores the rise of extremism in Pakistan and the impact it has on the country's youth. Directed by Hemal Trivedi and Mohammed Ali Naqvi, the film sheds light on the radicalization of young children by the country's most hardline clerics, and the resulting violence that has led to large-scale devastation.

The documentary follows the charismatic and controversial Abdul Aziz Ghazi, the leader of the Red Mosque in Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad. Through his teachings, he has inspired tens of thousands of young students to join his radical Islamist ideology, openly declaring his intentions to cleanse Pakistani society of anyone who does not conform to their limited worldview.

The film also follows the story of a disenchanted former follower of the Lal Masjid, Pakistani physicist and academic, Pervez Hoodbhoy. As a former student of the radical Islamic school, he gives a firsthand account of the Red Mosque's teachings, as well as his disillusionment and the impact it has had on his life and career.

As the documentary unfolds, we are given a stark insight into the minds of young Pakistani students who have been radicalized through their education. The stunning cinematography captures the lives of these students alongside Abdul Aziz, as they march in unison, perform military-style battle drills and chant anti-Western slogans. The film contains some of the most significant images of young students learning to handle firearms and explosives, an alarming and unnerving sight.

The documentary highlights the ineffectiveness of the Pakistani government's response to extremism, as they allow the Red Mosque to operate as a parallel state in Islamabad, free from the rule of law. The filmmakers reveal that the students enrolled in these radical schools are provided with food and shelter, which means that they lack no basic necessities of life. Moreover, their tuition is virtually free, a fact that attracts a large number of children from impoverished families who lack alternatives.

While the documentary does explore the darker side of extremist practice, it doesn't linger there. Rather, the filmmakers show us a path forward, revealing the work of those who are fighting against this version of Islam. It features brave social activists and educators working to stem the tide of extremism, by offering an alternative in the forms of more liberal education that encourages reasoned debate and critical thinking.

Overall, Among the Believers is an unflinching look at a dangerous and previously unseen side of the world. It is not just a look into Pakistan's struggle with extremism, but also serves as a reflection of the global political landscape in which extremist beliefs are taking hold. It's a thought-provoking and emotional film that serves as a wake-up call to everyone who cares about the future of our world. It is a powerful work of cinema that is worth watching for those who seek a deeper understanding of this perilous issue.

Among the Believers is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 74.