Four Lions Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A group of blokes who are more likely to blow themselves up than anyone else decide to save the world…or destroy it, who can tell?

🍿 Four Lions: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Lions

“Four Lions” introduces a group of British Muslim men embarking on a path of jihad. Omar, the de facto leader, is critical of Western society, while his dim-witted friend Waj eagerly follows. Barry, a volatile white convert, adds chaos to the mix, and Faisal, a naive aspiring bomber, attempts to train crows to carry explosives. The film sets the stage for their ill-fated mission.

Training and Misadventures

The group’s attempt to gain training in Pakistan ends in comical disaster. Omar and Waj’s incompetence is on full display. Meanwhile, back in Britain, Barry recruits Hassan, further complicating their already flawed plans. The group struggles with internal disagreements and external pressures as they acquire materials for their explosive devices. Faisal trains crows to carry bombs, leading to some morbidly funny scenes.

The Marathon Plot

After multiple failed attempts and internal squabbles, the group decides to target the London Marathon. They don mascot costumes to conceal their explosives, creating a surreal and unsettling visual. As they prepare for the attack, doubts begin to creep in, and the already fragile plan starts to unravel, highlighting the ineptitude and conflicting ideologies of the group.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Omar (Riz Ahmed): A disillusioned security guard and the de facto leader of the group, Omar is driven by a desire to fight Western hypocrisy but struggles with his own contradictions.
• Waj (Kayvan Novak): Omar’s simple-minded and devoted friend, Waj is easily led and struggles to understand the gravity of their mission.
• Barry (Nigel Lindsay): A volatile and extreme white convert to Islam, Barry is prone to impulsive actions and has radical ideas about achieving their goals.
• Faisal (Adeel Akhtar): The naive and accident-prone bomb-maker, Faisal brings a touch of absurdism to the group with his unconventional methods and limited understanding.
• Hassan (Arsher Ali): A recruited member with a tendency to record everything, Hassan’s anxieties eventually lead to the group’s downfall.
• Sofia (Preeya Kalidas): Omar’s wife, a nurse, represents a more moderate perspective, adding a layer of complexity to Omar’s motivations and actions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Waj: “Rubber dinghy rapids, bro!” – Waj’s catchphrase, used to express enthusiasm or agreement, often in inappropriate situations.
• Barry: “We’re gonna blow up the internet!” – Barry’s ridiculous and ill-informed plan to attack the internet, showcasing his ignorance.
• Omar: “Killing Muslims is no way to go about jihad.” – Omar’s attempt to maintain some semblance of logic and morality within the group’s chaotic plans.
• Faisal: “I’m training crows to be jihadists!” – Faisal’s absurd and misguided plan to use crows to carry out bombings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $304,616
• Worldwide Gross: $6,149,356

💥 Four Lions Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Four Lions’ for the first time, and I was laughing so hard I almost cried. It’s dark, yes, but it’s also incredibly insightful. The characters are so relatable, even though they’re doing something completely insane. The scene in the kebab shop, with Waj holding everyone hostage, is both hilarious and heartbreaking. This film made me think and laugh at the same time, which is a rare feat.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedy”
  • “Viewers interested in social satire”
  • “Those who appreciate British humor”
  • “People who enjoy thought-provoking films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violent content”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief disturbing images”
  • “Subject matter may be offensive to some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Chris Morris pulls off the impossible: a genuinely funny and thought-provoking comedy about radicalization. It avoids easy stereotypes and finds humanity, however flawed, in its characters.
• Empire: “A daring, hilarious, and surprisingly poignant film. ‘Four Lions’ is a satire that cuts deep, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about identity and extremism in modern Britain. The performances are superb, and the script is razor-sharp.
• Sight & Sound: “Morris has made an undeniably well-researched film that is both hilarious and deeply disturbing. The film excels at exploring the psychology of these characters that makes you forget the dark nature of what they are set to do.

Audience Reactions

The dark humor mixed with surprisingly human characters makes this film so unique.: Most viewers loved the film’s ability to find humor in a sensitive subject matter while still acknowledging the seriousness of the issues involved.

The dialogue is so quotable, I still find myself saying ‘rubber dinghy rapids, bro’ years later.: The sharp, witty script and memorable lines were a major highlight for many audience members.

Overall Consensus: Four Lions is a controversial but critically acclaimed dark comedy that explores themes of identity and extremism with sharp wit and surprisingly human characters. It’s not for everyone, but those who appreciate its unique brand of humor will find it both hilarious and thought-provoking.

Awards

1. BAFTA Award (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer)- 2011

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Christopher Morris spent over three years researching the film, consulting with counter-terrorism experts, police, imams, and Muslims to ensure authenticity and sensitivity.”
• “The film’s humor was controversial, with some critics praising its audacity and others condemning it as insensitive to victims of terrorism.”
• “Riz Ahmed’s performance as Omar was widely praised, with many critics noting his ability to balance the character’s comedic and dramatic aspects.”
• “The film was shot in various locations in the UK, including Sheffield and London.”
• “The film’s ending, which sees the protagonists carrying out their attacks, was debated by the filmmakers, with some arguing for a less ambiguous conclusion.”

🖥️ How to Watch Four Lions?

Currently, “Four Lions” is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for rental or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Four Lions, you might like these similar films:

• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): Satirical black comedy that tackles serious subject matter with dark humor and absurd situations, similar to Four Lions’ approach to terrorism.
• In the Loop (2009): British political satire with sharp dialogue and incompetent characters navigating complex and serious situations.
• The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009): Comedy that highlights the absurdity of war and extremism through a cast of bumbling and incompetent characters, as Four Lions uses humour to expose the ridiculousness of terrorism.
• This is Spinal Tap (1984): Mockumentary style which lends a sense of realism to the absurd situations, sharing a similar comedic approach to ‘Four Lions’.

🛒 Four Lions Related Products

• Four Lions [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed dark comedy on Blu-ray. A must-have for fans of British humor and thought-provoking cinema. This Blu-ray edition is packed with special features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew, offering a deeper dive into the making of this controversial yet brilliant film.
• Four Lions Movie Poster: High-quality print of the official ‘Four Lions’ movie poster. A perfect addition to any film buff’s collection or a unique wall decoration for your home theater. Show off your appreciation for this daring and unforgettable film with this eye-catching poster.
• Four Lions T-Shirt – Rubber Dinghy Rapids: Show off your love for the movie with this high-quality cotton T-shirt, featuring the iconic quote ‘Rubber Dinghy Rapids, Bro’. Made from soft, breathable fabric, this shirt is comfortable to wear and will definitely turn heads. Perfect for casual outings or movie nights with friends.
• Four Lions: The Screenplay: Delve deeper into the genius of Chris Morris with the official ‘Four Lions’ screenplay. Available as a digital download, this script allows you to dissect the film’s razor-sharp dialogue and masterful storytelling. Perfect for aspiring writers, film students, or anyone who wants to understand the craft behind this iconic comedy.

🎧 Soundtrack

Four Lions features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Nadia” – performed by Nitin Sawhney

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Can I Have 12 Bottles of Bleach, Please?” | Funny Clip from Four Lions | Directed by Chris Morris

Get ready to laugh out loud as Faisal attempts to master the art of going undercover when he purchases bleach for his ‘experiment.’ Trust me, his ‘different voices’ will leave you in stitches!

Four Lions – Funniest Moments | Starring Riz Ahmed

Relive the side-splitting humor of ‘Four Lions’ with this ultimate compilation! From Faisal’s bleach adventure to Barry’s hilarious eccentricities, you’ll be reminded why this movie is a comedic masterpiece.

Chris Morris on satire in the Trump era and his new film ‘The Day Shall Come’

Explore the mind of Chris Morris, the visionary behind ‘Four Lions.’ In this interview, he delves into the complexities of satire, offering a unique perspective on the film’s themes.

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