The Reluctant Fundamentalist

The central character's journey from Pakistan to the U.S. and back creates a compelling narrative that highlights the complexity of responding to terrorism and imperialism in the world. The idea of a character who takes a third road, one that struggles toward a peaceful middle ground, is really unique in a world hellbent on political and social and religious extremism. Hudson's character leads a cast of extraneous characters that simply lack the kind of nuance of the lead.

Book is extremely good. This film is not in the same league and I don't like some of the changes made but it is pretty good and well acted

The trailer makes this movie look a lot better than it actually is. The actors are all really good but the story isn't as compelling as I thought it was going to be. I also thought that Kate Hudson, even though I love her normally, could have been cut from this movie. Other than adding a bit of heartbreak for Ahmed, her part was just annoying and not needed. I also wish Liev Schreiber had a larger part other than basically helping link the stories together in a framing device.

A pretty good drama about a guy who through a series of events beyond his control is forced to re-evaluate the things he values.

Has Kiefer Sutherland ever been quite so miscast?

Well told and compelling story, wasn't convinced by the ending but Riv Ahmed convincingly portrayed a man with divided loyalties.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist takes a nuanced approach & novel perspective to cultural identity while exploring radicalisation &mistrust heightened by 9-11. Ahmed & Schreiber deliver gripping performances with flawed (often irritating) characters. Ahmed's character finding his anti-corporate conscious felt a bit clichéd. The film also suffers from portraying many of its supporting characters as plot devices or scenery rather than developed people. Good, a little long with an annoying soundtrack.