Four Lions: Chris Morris

[Intense Degree]

Just wondering if anyone else has seen Chris Morris' (of The Day Today and Brass Eye fame) new film 4 Lions. For anyone who doesn't know it is a comedy/satire about radicalised muslim suicide bombers from Sheffield. Trailer here.

Personally I'm a fan of Chris Morris and I really liked the film, a mixture of the seriousness and absurdity of the position and ranging in style from laugh out loud funny to serious and poignant. I know that many people are of the view that Morris is just sensationalistic for the sake (and attention!) of it, but to my mind this was not the case in the film. Although clearly there is the idea of getting you to laugh at something you wouldn't normally, I think it is an honest (although I have no idea if it is accurate or realistic) look at something that scares a lot of people and about which the fear surrounding it in all likelihood massively distorts the average people's view of it.

Anyway i'd be interested to hear anyone else's opinions.

[markbilly]

I agree with you totally. It was brilliant and managed to make me laugh uncontrollably and be poignant and thought provoking all at the same time.

[veryweirdguy]

Best film of the year so far. Laugh out loud but still thought provoking, and a very daring take on a sensitive topic. I would recommend to anyone.

[Matt Frith]

I still need to watch this.  I am annoyed that it wasn't showing at any cinemas near me   I guess I will wait for the DVD...

[Intense Degree]

I think it is quite hard to find for many people. On opening weekend it was only showing at one cinema near me with two showings a day, 21:30 and 23:45! Definitely worth watching though.

However, it was made by Film4 so at least it should be on TV at some stage (BBC etc. initially refused to make it as the subject matter was seen as too controversial). I think it is one of those films where you wouldn't lose too much by seeing it on a smaller screen.

[markbilly]

Yeah, I was lucky to catch it at the Arts Centre on campus. I can't imagine many standard cinemas will be showing it.

It won't be long before it's shown on Film4, hopefully.