Every other film (of not many) I've watched which deals with Muslim identity conflict issues, there is this tendency to try to be politically correct so that you're not alienating non-Muslims or liberals while at the same not offending the more conservatives. In the end it leaves neither party satisfied. I liked how this film unashamedly didn't try to find the middle ground. It told it like it is. Okay, I don't know what it is like. I know nothing of the Muslim punk rock scene or any other punk rock scene. But really, nothing about this movie felt pretentious. (Most of) these punk rockers really push the ideals of don't be who your parents want you to be or who society wants you to be or what the Qur'an tells you to be - be who you want to be. That's kind of cliché. I've seen that way too many times. But the film does keep it fresh by having the Taqwacores rebel in unorthodox ways. Like Rabiya who wears a full burqa covering every inch of her body down to her fingers. She doesn't do it out of devotion to Allah or Islam. She does it to make a statement. I could (sort of) relate to that. If you meet someone who doesn't drink or smoke, or someone who's still a virgin, you might assume they're a "good girl / good boy" who is a goody-two-shoes and plays it straight and doesn't dare to embrace who they want to be inside. But isn't it possible they've made a conscious choice - not because they think this is wrong - but because they think they don't need to? Because they're secure in their decisions? Don't get me wrong, I don't think the Taqwacores are secure in their decisions. In fact, beneath all that confident protesting against societal norms, there is a highly veiled layer of deep insecurity. At least that's what I felt. I got that vibe especially from Jehangir. And did I love that character to shreds! I love the message he sends out at the end - who are the Taqwacores to exclude Taqwacores who are "different" when Taqwacores themselves are excluded by other punks because they are "different". People always have the tendency to segregate and to exclude those who are "different". Even those who are excluded themselves. For example, homosexuals might be more accepted by the wider population these days, but bisexuals and asexuals are still weird and even homosexuals find them weird. This might be a bit of a generalization and I may not have a large enough sample to make these generalizations. I liked that this film led me to think outside the scope of the film, but I kind of wish it did address some of these ideas on its own.

The Taqwacores is, at heart, a fairly typical indie ensemble piece, but with enough new wrinkles to earn it a thumbs-up from yours truly. Based on Michael Muhammad Knight's novel of the same name, it's the story of a group of Buffalo-based Muslim punk rockers rebelling against the strictures of their religion. (There really is a Muslim punk scene, but the bands in the film — Osama's Tunnel Diggers, Bilal's Boulder, and Boxcutter Surprise — are fictional).The film is crudely made, the screenplay a tad stodgy and predictable, and there's not enough music, but the characters — including Rabeya (Noureen DeWulf), the burka-clad 'riot girl' who crosses out the bits of the Qu'ran that she finds misogynistic, and wide-eyed innocent Yusuf (Bobby Naderi), who stumbles into the scene while apartment-hunting — are endearing enough to keep you watching.

If you liked "Border Radio" or "Clerks" you might like this one. The theme of religion plays a conspicuous role here, though. The characters are young and searching for their own definitions of Islam. It's interesting to see the DIY approach the characters take. It's a sweet story about alienated friends trying to define themselves.The editing and periodic black and white with talk radio blaring bigoted messages provides breaks in the story and relates the lives of the characters to the world. The overall feel of the movie is like those independent films of the late eighties and early nineties.I think that the movie would have been better with more music, but the film does succeed in conveying the seriousness of the Muslim identity in modern America.

Interesting concept. Must acknowledge that films like these are the reason why Sundance will always be special. The camera work was refreshing and must commend the efforts of the cast. Every small detail was well handled, the punk burkha for example, I've never imagined those black-bland clothes would ever get a creative touch, something I would envy if I were a fashion designer.Yusef, this was a character that found its alter-ego in Jehangir and struggles to acknowledge that Jehangir is who he always wanted to be. Yusef will always be that person who reminded you that wanting to have fun and being pious need not always be two different things.I really enjoyed watching those tiny clips with a couch, a person and a TV. We are a nation of people who believe in liberty but will it ever be possible for Jehangir to wear the crescent and star although he is in no way connected with his religion. I seriously doubt it, but yes, we give Jehagir this ability in our films. Applaud the efforts.