The Taqwacores

Every other film (of not many) I've watched which deals with Muslim identity conflict issues, there is this tendency to try to be politically correct so that you're not alienating non-Muslims or liberals while at the same not offending the more conservatives. In the end it leaves neither party satisfied. I liked how this film unashamedly didn't try to find the middle ground. It told it like it is. Okay, I don't know what it is like. I know nothing of the Muslim punk rock scene or any other punk rock scene. But really, nothing about this movie felt pretentious.

(Most of) these punk rockers really push the ideals of don't be who your parents want you to be or who society wants you to be or what the Qur'an tells you to be - be who you want to be. That's kind of cliché. I've seen that way too many times. But the film does keep it fresh by having the Taqwacores rebel in unorthodox ways. Like Rabiya who wears a full burqa covering every inch of her body down to her fingers. She doesn't do it out of devotion to Allah or Islam. She does it to make a statement. I could (sort of) relate to that. If you meet someone who doesn't drink or smoke, or someone who's still a virgin, you might assume they're a "good girl / good boy" who is a goody-two-shoes and plays it straight and doesn't dare to embrace who they want to be inside. But isn't it possible they've made a conscious choice - not because they think this is wrong - but because they think they don't need to? Because they're secure in their decisions? Don't get me wrong, I don't think the Taqwacores are secure in their decisions. In fact, beneath all that confident protesting against societal norms, there is a highly veiled layer of deep insecurity. At least that's what I felt. I got that vibe especially from Jehangir. And did I love that character to shreds! I love the message he sends out at the end - who are the Taqwacores to exclude Taqwacores who are "different" when Taqwacores themselves are excluded by other punks because they are "different". People always have the tendency to segregate and to exclude those who are "different". Even those who are excluded themselves. For example, homosexuals might be more accepted by the wider population these days, but bisexuals and asexuals are still weird and even homosexuals find them weird. This might be a bit of a generalization and I may not have a large enough sample to make these generalizations.

I liked that this film led me to think outside the scope of the film, but I kind of wish it did address some of these ideas on its own.

Even though Muslim punk exists since the beginning of the 80s, it was only in 2003 that this movement was known thanks to Michael Muhammad Knight's book. « The Taqwacores » is therefore based on this book and it was premiered seven years later. Even if the goal of the film is clear, that is showing the existence of this Muslim punk movement in the USA and the trouble in getting in, it hides some surprises and interrogations. Since the characters and the movie do not rebel without any reason, although the violence shown is sometimes too much, it is the consequence of an essential questioning of Islam. The power of the film lies in the director's decision of not taking the same path as other films dealing with religion. « The Taqwacores » does not only go against the flow, but it gives some food for thought: can we worship just a part of the Koran? That is, can we not just take all that is said for granted but also apply our critical sense in order to build our own faith? Can we reverse religious symbols and use them as we please? The film does not give any distinct answers and it does not mean to, but, thanks to some clever realistic dialogues and scenes, it suggests some ideas. And, at the end of the day, we do not ask for more but some ideas to encourage our thinking about a matter that should be better known. Full review on our blog Los Indiscretos : https://losindiscretos.org/2016/12/30/the-taqwacores-2010-eyad-zahra/

A fresh perspective on a scene that hasn't really been looked at. 2nd generation groups subcultures is massively under explored in cinema. This film does it well. Excellent acting, the conversations and scenes are fun and sometimes very candid. In a short space of time unpicking the constant conflict that 2nd generation minorities go through internally and within subgroup. It captures the ethos of punk and politics of the two groups. Yet entertaining throughout.

If you liked "Border Radio" or "Clerks" you might like this one. The theme of religion plays a conspicuous role here, though. The characters are young and searching for their own definitions of Islam. It's interesting to see the DIY approach the characters take. It's a sweet story about alienated friends trying to define themselves.

The editing and periodic black and white with talk radio blaring bigoted messages provides breaks in the story and relates the lives of the characters to the world. The overall feel of the movie is like those independent films of the late eighties and early nineties.

I think that the movie would have been better with more music, but the film does succeed in conveying the seriousness of the Muslim identity in modern America.

Interesting concept. Must acknowledge that films like these are the reason why Sundance will always be special.

The camera work was refreshing and must commend the efforts of the cast. Every small detail was well handled, the punk burkha for example, I've never imagined those black-bland clothes would ever get a creative touch, something I would envy if I were a fashion designer.

Yusef, this was a character that found its alter-ego in Jehangir and struggles to acknowledge that Jehangir is who he always wanted to be. Yusef will always be that person who reminded you that wanting to have fun and being pious need not always be two different things.

I really enjoyed watching those tiny clips with a couch, a person and a TV.

We are a nation of people who believe in liberty but will it ever be possible for Jehangir to wear the crescent and star although he is in no way connected with his religion. I seriously doubt it, but yes, we give Jehagir this ability in our films.

Applaud the efforts.