Young Ahmed
Young Ahmed

Movie spotlight

Young Ahmed

2019
Movie
85 min
French

A young Belgian is incited by his imam to view a teacher as an apostate and assassinate her; after he fails, he is sent to juvenile reform.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic67/100
Google Users70%
Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc DardenneGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young boy named Ahmed, living in Belgium, becomes increasingly radicalized by an extremist imam. As his ideology intensifies, he plans to murder his teacher, whom he sees as an obstacle to his beliefs. The film follows his internal struggle and the consequences of his radical path, exploring themes of faith, identity, and manipulation.

Critical Reception

"Young Ahmed" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the Dardenne brothers' signature realist style and their sensitive portrayal of a complex and timely subject. The film was lauded for its nuanced approach to radicalization and its exploration of a young boy's internal conflict, though some found its tone to be somewhat detached.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its timely and sensitive exploration of youth radicalization.

  • Commended for the Dardenne brothers' signature observational and empathetic filmmaking style.

  • Noted for its nuanced portrayal of a complex moral and ideological struggle.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's serious and thought-provoking examination of a young boy's indoctrination and the difficult choices he faces. Many found it to be a compelling and well-acted drama that tackles important societal issues.

Awards & Accolades

Selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne received the award for Best Screenplay.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in Seraing, Belgium, a town where the Dardenne brothers have frequently set their films, contributing to their authentic depiction of working-class life.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
SWITCH.

SWITCH.

‘Young Ahmed’ was undeniably one of my most anticipated films of the Melbourne International Film Festival, and while I’m grateful for a new film by the Dardenne brothers, and while it is excellently shot and acted, I can’t help but come aw...