Compelling film that shows the contradictions of a completely singular vision (religious or otherwise). It displays Islam and religion in general in a compelling way. While not completely dismissing it, it definitely portrays religion as having an important yet sometimes dangerous role on people's lives. The film follows Anu's (Nurul Islam Bablu) family in a tumultuous time during Bangladesh's fight for independence. We get to see this world through Anu's innocent eyes: the incredibly strict school he gets sent to (but he also makes a friend and finds some escapism with him there), his father becoming more influenced by religion (driven mad by the end), his sister's death, the war. Ultimately, the film seems to claim that situations should be handled independently and that no one dogma can answer all the Universe's questions, fears or conflicts.
Masud also employs a certain visual flair that heightens the richness of both culture's as well as Bangladesh's natural beauty. There's also a certain brilliance to the acting. As I watched the film it seemed to be one of the aspects that stood out the most. A classical type acting.
Some excerpts from a Le monde interview:
Le Monde: Through all its contrasting impressions, an image emerges of a country which is culturally very rich.
TM: Bangladesh is a complex country. This reality has nothing to do with its image abroad, of a poor country of famine, flood and fundamentalism. I wanted to convey my own image of my country, that of a moderate Muslim Bangladesh, and to bring out its social, cultural, and political diversity… I wanted to show the diversity of my country in all its contradictions-for me this is the best approach, not only because it is more credible, but also because it is more beautiful.
Le Monde: A beauty which also takes much inspiration from Islam.
TM: For us, Islam is rooted in our own soil, it has evolved and adapted to our own traditions, including Hinduism. It has thus become our own form of Islam, a popular Islam. This is expressed through the ‘bahas’ songs that we hear in the film. These mystical songs are still very popular, and serve to transmit much of our knowledge and heritage. They are a means of meditation and prayer.
Le Monde: However, as we see with Anu’s father, many Muslims condemn these practices…
TM: In the strict sense of the Shariah, songs are considered profane. But this is only from an oversimplified reading of the Koran and Hadith. It doesn’t take account of the different interpretations and debates that have always been an essential part of our religion. Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked. For the rest of the world, the image of Islam tends to be dominated by its extremist and intolerant currents. However, our religion is founded on principles of dialogue. This is what I wanted to show in my film. I have a deep respect for the Islamic faith, and I hope this film will help my fellow Muslims. It evokes the core of our religion, a religion of reflection and personal interpretation. This is what is known in Sufism as “individual reasoning”.
Some excerpts from a Le monde interview:
Le Monde: Through all its contrasting impressions, an image emerges of a country which is culturally very rich.
TM: Bangladesh is a complex country. This reality has nothing to do with its image abroad, of a poor country of famine, flood and fundamentalism. I wanted to convey my own image of my country, that of a moderate Muslim Bangladesh, and to bring out its social, cultural, and political diversity… I wanted to show the diversity of my country in all its contradictions-for me this is the best approach, not only because it is more credible, but also because it is more beautiful.
Le Monde: A beauty which also takes much inspiration from Islam.
TM: For us, Islam is rooted in our own soil, it has evolved and adapted to our own traditions, including Hinduism. It has thus become our own form of Islam, a popular Islam. This is expressed through the ‘bahas’ songs that we hear in the film. These mystical songs are still very popular, and serve to transmit much of our knowledge and heritage. They are a means of meditation and prayer.
Le Monde: However, as we see with Anu’s father, many Muslims condemn these practices…
TM: In the strict sense of the Shariah, songs are considered profane. But this is only from an oversimplified reading of the Koran and Hadith. It doesn’t take account of the different interpretations and debates that have always been an essential part of our religion. Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked. For the rest of the world, the image of Islam tends to be dominated by its extremist and intolerant currents. However, our religion is founded on principles of dialogue. This is what I wanted to show in my film. I have a deep respect for the Islamic faith, and I hope this film will help my fellow Muslims. It evokes the core of our religion, a religion of reflection and personal interpretation. This is what is known in Sufism as “individual reasoning”.
No comments:
Post a Comment