a Pakistani, educated in the U.S., becomes radicalized, however "reluctantly", after 9/11, and we're called upon to be sympathetic - bad lighting, everyone lit in shadows or silhouetted, is, throughout, very annoying

Well worth watching.
Good acting.
Good plot.

Both one man’s search for identity in a time of global hysteria and a watered down thriller as Pakistani professor and cynical American reporter become all too aware of political storm clouds gathering around them, Mira Nair’s big screen adaptation of Mohsin Hamid’s novel works best when it concentrates on Khan’s individual relationships rather than the “bigger picture” his life is obviously meant to mirror. Loving America yet also angry at that country’s covert operations in his own, Khan’s interactions with the people around him say more than any polemic could. His father (the great Om Puri) embraces the old ways, his privileged New York artist girlfriend (Kate Hudson) highlights cultural misunderstanding with a post 9/11 gallery exhibit, and the reporter himself (ironic name) carries a hidden agenda while at the same time trying to appear objective. Canada’s own Kiefer Sutherland plays the Ugly Capitalist as Changez’s ruthlessly pragmatic former boss. And of course there’s the usual assortment of churlish Americans and outraged Moslems—the peaceful Khan suffering various humiliations at the hands of the former, and a cautious empathy with the latter. But with everyone in the film swinging their fists, Nair wisely chooses to focus her camera on just a few choice bruises.

"A Pakistani ... the American dream well within his reach ...the twin towers are attacked...he finds himself embroiled in a hostage crisis...". Sounds like a thriller.

Well...not exactly. But that's good; this movie avoids ALL the thriller cliches and goes after--and achieves--something quite unique. One: it's not about 9/11, but rather, the EFFECT of 9/11 to good, native-born Americans and good, recent immigrants. Two: the hostage crisis doesn't take place in America at all...

A great and topical story (screenplay by Mohsin Hamin from his own novel), extremely well acted by all, including Kiefer Sutherland in a great supporting role, Kate Hudson in terrific part of the conflicted American girl-friend, Liev Schreiber in one of his best roles as a compromised journalist and, most of all, young British actor, Riz Ahmed as the "fundamentalist" (and that's NOT what you think it is...)

Wife and I watched it with a friend...all three of us transfixed. Lots of suspense...but lots more besides. This is a good one.

The central character is shallow & unlikable. The reasons used for justifying his conversion are pretty flimsy - on the whole ... I found the film transparently manipulative.

Interesting thesis-movie.
Many layers to read through.
Well done by Liev Schreiber (though his is an interior story).
Heart-wrenching journey that of Changez. (Playing with his -French? - name?).
It's worth watching the movie.

An interesting film.
Enjoyable soundtrack.

Wow what a fantastic film!!!

Rated 1/10.

Very good and well done movie about fear, insecurity, paranoia and their consequences in lives.