Four Lions

2010
Dir: Chris Morris
 
At one point during Four Lions, as a group of young, would-be suicide bombers scrape the gooey remains of their recently deceased friend into a bag, an argument ensues, in which one character angrily enquires, “Is he a martyr or is he a Jalfrezi?” It’s a funny line, and one that would normally have you sniggering into your popcorn like John Motson at a comedy gala, but considering a man has been killed moments before whilst planning a bomb attack, the laugh sticks in your throat. Chris Morris’ film is ridiculously funny; it’s just nothing to laugh about.

The plot is relatively straightforward, following four British jihadists as they train and prepare to commit a terrorist attack. Morris’ attitude towards all of this is somewhat admirable, making one see the complete and utter absurdity of everything through his use of some of the most inept and idiotic characters in cinematic history. It is not only the four potential bombers who are made to look like buffoons, but the authorities in equal measure. The guffaws are once again trapped in your windpipe, as two police snipers debate whether or not a Wookie is a bear after hastily gunning down a target during the London Marathon.

It is unfair that Four Lions has been criticised by people who have just completely missed Morris’ point. Do not take this film seriously. Yes, it concerns a group of young men with murderous intentions; yes, there have been attacks in real life, but if you are unable to laugh about it, then what is the point in combating it? Haven’t they already won?

The five leads are all impressive, with Riz Ahmed’s level-headed Omar and Nigel Lindsay’s ultra-aggressive Barry the standouts. Kayvan Novak also shines as the dim-witted Waj, who would blow up his own mother if promised a new Playstation, but his character occasionally strays into levels of silliness excessive even for this film.

But Four Lions is a tremendously successful and often poignant first venture into the world of cinema for the sarcastic piss-taker behind Brass Eye. We all know he can bring the chuckles, but try not to be moved as Omar says goodbye to his wife in some very strange hospital code, neither of them batting an eyelid. The debate will obviously rage on surrounding these issues, but Four Lions takes that debate, quite literally sticks it inside a great bit ninja turtle costume, and runs around in front of us like something out of The Three Stooges. Now that’s how you win the war on terror.

**** ¼ / *****