PATH OF BLOOD (2018)
Directed and Produced by: Jonathan Hacker
Executive Producers: Mark Boal, Abdulrahman Alrashed, Adel Alabdulkarim
“Martyrdom”
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Hacker and based on his book of the same title, Path of Blood depicts Islamist terrorism as it has never been seen before. Using jihadi home-movie footage (captured by Saudi security services), this is a brutal, harrowing story of Muslim terrorists targeting Muslim civilians and brought to justice by Muslim security agents. As the press release correctly notes, it’s a stark reminder that all who are touched by terrorism are also victimized by it.
At times both powerful shocking, Path of Blood will unnerve many Americans (or should) as it shows how brainwashed youths, fueled by idealism and the misguided pursuit of adventure, descend into madness and carnage…all in the name of radical Islam. As one young man says simply, “Jihada is NOT the way to God. It’s the only way to God.” Hacker, who was given unprecedented access to raw, unvarnished footage (he had to negotiate exclusive access, and one wonders about what stipulations were involved) captures young thrill-seekers at a jihadi “boot camp” deep in the Saudi desert. When we first see them they’re smiling, joking and playing games with each other; this only makes this scene all the more jarring when they plot to detonate car bombs in downtown Riyadh. The matter-of-fact approach is startling as they conspire to “destroy Satan and all of His allies.” More startling is that in just a few minutes one man who was talking will be shown lying in a bloody heap after the suicide mission is completed; he’s now just a pile of flesh. The juxtapositions between casual meetings and violent outcomes are the strongest parts of Path of Blood, and director Hacker carries it off admirably.
Directed and Produced by: Jonathan Hacker
Executive Producers: Mark Boal, Abdulrahman Alrashed, Adel Alabdulkarim
“Martyrdom”
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Hacker and based on his book of the same title, Path of Blood depicts Islamist terrorism as it has never been seen before. Using jihadi home-movie footage (captured by Saudi security services), this is a brutal, harrowing story of Muslim terrorists targeting Muslim civilians and brought to justice by Muslim security agents. As the press release correctly notes, it’s a stark reminder that all who are touched by terrorism are also victimized by it.
At times both powerful shocking, Path of Blood will unnerve many Americans (or should) as it shows how brainwashed youths, fueled by idealism and the misguided pursuit of adventure, descend into madness and carnage…all in the name of radical Islam. As one young man says simply, “Jihada is NOT the way to God. It’s the only way to God.” Hacker, who was given unprecedented access to raw, unvarnished footage (he had to negotiate exclusive access, and one wonders about what stipulations were involved) captures young thrill-seekers at a jihadi “boot camp” deep in the Saudi desert. When we first see them they’re smiling, joking and playing games with each other; this only makes this scene all the more jarring when they plot to detonate car bombs in downtown Riyadh. The matter-of-fact approach is startling as they conspire to “destroy Satan and all of His allies.” More startling is that in just a few minutes one man who was talking will be shown lying in a bloody heap after the suicide mission is completed; he’s now just a pile of flesh. The juxtapositions between casual meetings and violent outcomes are the strongest parts of Path of Blood, and director Hacker carries it off admirably.
The audience is taken into terrorist safe houses and training camps (with footage provided by Al Qaeda supporters) and, near the end of the film, an oil refinery where terrorists hope to inflict major damage. Saudi officials blast these “savages who have brought shame to Islam.” The Muslim terrorists view themselves as martyrs for their cause. They also refuse to turn themselves in or go back into hiding saying, “I would rather die than live in disgrace.” You get a real sense of the dedication and determination (no matter how misplaced Americans may view it) these young men have toward duty. What we call terrorism they simply see as their sole purpose. It is their job to bring down America, with whatever means possible. As one man notes chillingly, “I bring you slaughter.” If they die, they die. For them it’s either Victory or Martyrdom.
Though Hacker adopts a fairly objective approach to the material, there are a few missteps. He treats us to an all-too-obvious shot of a “Please Clean Room” sign hung on the door of a hotel room where several terrorists lie in bloody pools (if he was going for an attempt at wry humor, it falls flat). And the ending is perfunctory. Path of Blood simply ends with a rather dismissive note that after a few years of an Al Qaeda in retreat, it’s now back and stronger than ever. Yes, the story is still unfolding. But I found the closing minute too abrupt.
The most terrifying part of Path of Blood is the also the hardest to watch. An American captive, bound and blindfolded, is being interrogated by terrorists. What begins as an inquisition quickly turns violent, as the captive is ultimately beheaded (off-camera, thankfully). As the audio continues to play over a fuzzy screen we hear a small child say plainly, “That’s my daddy’s knife.” Knowing what’s happening, combined with the presence of the child and his pragmatic statement, is more than simply distressing; it’s sinister. This is evil in its purest form.
Victory or Martyrdom. Path of Blood is a vital, harrowing journey into terrorism. After you’ve taken it, it will be hard to shake.
From the Back Row,
Darren McCullah
Though Hacker adopts a fairly objective approach to the material, there are a few missteps. He treats us to an all-too-obvious shot of a “Please Clean Room” sign hung on the door of a hotel room where several terrorists lie in bloody pools (if he was going for an attempt at wry humor, it falls flat). And the ending is perfunctory. Path of Blood simply ends with a rather dismissive note that after a few years of an Al Qaeda in retreat, it’s now back and stronger than ever. Yes, the story is still unfolding. But I found the closing minute too abrupt.
The most terrifying part of Path of Blood is the also the hardest to watch. An American captive, bound and blindfolded, is being interrogated by terrorists. What begins as an inquisition quickly turns violent, as the captive is ultimately beheaded (off-camera, thankfully). As the audio continues to play over a fuzzy screen we hear a small child say plainly, “That’s my daddy’s knife.” Knowing what’s happening, combined with the presence of the child and his pragmatic statement, is more than simply distressing; it’s sinister. This is evil in its purest form.
Victory or Martyrdom. Path of Blood is a vital, harrowing journey into terrorism. After you’ve taken it, it will be hard to shake.
From the Back Row,
Darren McCullah
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