Le jeune Ahmed (2019)
38KLe jeune Ahmed: Directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne. With Idir Ben Addi, Olivier Bonnaud, Myriem Akheddiou, Victoria Bluck. A Belgian teenager hatches a plot to kill his teacher after embracing an extremist interpretation of the Quran.
“YOUNG AHMEDu003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe justifiably renowned Dardenne Brothers won the Cannes Directing prize for YOUNG AHMED, but, it isnu0026#39;t one of their stronger films, despite some interesting thematic elements. Ahmed (Idir Ben Addi) is a teenage Muslim in Belgium who, under the influence of a radical Imam (Othmane Moumen ) becomes increasingly strict in his religious practices putting him at odds with the more open ways of his school and even his own family (neither his mother (Claire Bodson) or sister wear hijabs).nWhen Ahmed puts his radical thoughts into action he is placed in a youth detention/rehabilitation center. It is there that the bulk of the brief 84 minute picture is set, and where Ahmed continues to struggle finding his way between his ultra-conservative and strict principles, and adapting to the modern world.nMuch of the criticism of the Dardennes has been that it doesnu0026#39;t provide enough answers about Ahmed. Throughout their distinguished careers, the brothers have never been ones to provide easy conclusions, they are most adept at posing questions and challenging the viewer. What keeps YOUNG AHMED from fully succeeding is that in their best work (ROSETTA, Lu0026#39;ENFANT) the directing team finds a way to provide a strong dramatic narrative to pose their queries. Here, Ahmedu0026#39;s tale, while well documented, fails to fully engage. The movie has moments, but, they are fleetingly effective.”
