amalalane

Yes, I admit I watched the whole movie. I've lived in India, work with people from there and wanted to see how this movie portrays this ancient and contemporary society.

Very stereotypical characters both amongst the Americans and Indians. While there were many truths conveyed about life and the social/economic issues, except for Asha's revelation that she can indeed do anything, the rest didn't come across in an organic, natural way. The whole film to me was quite awkward (due to the awkwardness of the lead male actor, and that wasn't just the character he portrayed).

Many of the Indian actors were very good and put up with the condescending script that was written.

Laughs were there, and even a tear for Asha and the conversation about cardamom, and the lead male leaving India etc. but not enough to recommend it. Sorry! Still, hope the next film comes out really great and that the filmmakers work more on script development.

This is an extraordinary film that anyone who is concerned about 'national security' must see. I put the words 'national security' in quotes because, like the film's title, "The War Within," implies an internal process and we too here in America need to be reflecting internally on just what real security means. Wish I had seen it when it came out.

Many others have posted in the threads about the issues this film raises and indeed, it is a very thought provoking movie. I recommend reading those posts for that discussion.

I'd like to comment instead here on the film-making.

First, the writing - taking on these larger than life, abstract issues such as 'jihad,' and grounding them in the intimate details of the characters so successfully reveals that there is a tremendous amount of craft and labor that went into the script.

Acting/Directing: Based on the character development, the actors were given significant material and Castelo was able to create the circumstances in which they could make their lives palpable on the screen. I am close friends with families who are from Pakistan and I just felt I was in their living room, their home. This could happen in their homes. I have slept on that couch, that floor - shared a room with a child because that's all they had and they gladly shared. It is heart breaking to realize how very possible it could be that this could happen. And through the artistry of the actors and direction, I've had my heart broken! Cinematography: Was this shot on HD? I'm assuming so because of the company logo - HDNet. Regardless, the camera movement and lighting choreography created such a disturbing mix of intimacy and oppression. Again, writing with light to break hearts and open minds.

This is in the very best tradition of cinema verite' but it goes to a whole new level competing with fiction features in terms of production values, character arc and through line. Unbelievably beautiful cinematography, editing and the dialog is really not scripted. Just a captivating look at the culture wars, families that are united when they could very well fall apart and the power of compassion for all orientations and perspectives.

Plot line: A 15 year old Shelby Knox pledges abstinence, goes to church and follows the maxim, "God, Country and family," in that order. When confronted with the fact that 1 in 6 teenage girls in her school is pregnant and many of her classmates have contracted STDs, she decides to join the Lubbock, Texas Mayor's Youth Commission and take action. Her journey transforms her into a liberal advocate for comprehensive sex education and gay and lesbian rights.