 
TraitorMPAA Rating:
 for intense violent sequences, thematic material and brief language.Reviewed by: Misty Wagner Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Thriller, Drama
Length:
1 hr. 53 min.
Year of Release:
2008
USA Release:
August 27, 2008 (wide - 1,800 theaters)
DVD: December 19, 2008
“The truth is complicated.” “Traitor” is one of those films that challenges it's audience's thoughts and preconceived notions from the very start. What we may believe is happening, isn't quite accurate and what we suspect will unfold will likely be pretty far off. Samir Horn (Don Cheadle), is an American Citizen who seems to live nowhere and everywhere all at once. Moving around, among terrorist cells in the middle east he does business selling detonators and befriending men along the way. Surprisingly, we soon learn, he is also a devout Muslim. During a business meeting with an old friend in Yemin, who indecently seems to head a small portion of a large Terrorist cell, the FBI infiltrates and Samir is arrested. It is in the Yemin prison that Samir first meets FBI Agents, Roy Clayton (Guy Pierce) and Max Archer (Neal McDonough), who become his pursuers later in the film as Samir goes to work with a large terrorist organization. As the film progresses, we learn the truth behind what Samir is involved in, and are forced to consider thoughts we may find uncomfortable as the characters on screen have to ask themselves what the differences are between the actions of America and the terrorist cells wishing to destroy her. As Samir himself, at times, seems torn with which side is the right side, we perhaps may question too… PositivesSamir is a moral man. God is at the heart of everything he does. Though many Christians would see this and argue that his God isn't the same as our God, I would beg to differ. Though his life is complicated, and horrible results often arise from the choices that he makes, his goal is never self preservation. There is a true importance and value placed on both life, and relationships, in this film. God is referenced by Samir consistently. The relationship between Samir and Omar (Said Taghamaoui) is one I found particularly touching… NegativesOf course, as the nature of any Governmental Intelligence or Terrorist plot, there is violence. There is one instance where someone is thrown to their death, (the after effects of this are not shown) a few instances of gunfire and several explosions. For the most part, however, the violence is minimal compared to other films of this genre. Because the central characters in this film are devout Muslims, more focus is put on the necessity of prayer and obedience rather than profanity. That isn't to say that profanity is obsolete, there is language, but it's kept pretty tame in comparison. Overall, I was impressed with “Traitor.” In a season where films with strong agendas are about to start coming out in large quantities, this movie challenges us to want to be different. Most commonly Hollywood creates films which display biased reflections of the favored side of war. In this film, we see perspectives and motivations of both the Terrorists and the Americans. We are forced to glimpse a fraction of the reason they've chosen the actions they have, and we see that—in their eyes—America's methods haven't been any more moral than their own. In one scene, near the beginning, when Samir first meets Agents Clayton and Archer, Archer asks him how he can sell detonators to the terrorists. Samir responds with “I sell them to Americans, too.” Archer scoffs at Samir and reacts with “Well, ours don't kill innocent people!” And Samir retorts honestly “uh, yeah they do.” On the other side of the spectrum though, I want you to realize this isn't an Anti-American film. Quite the contrary. I just appreciate that it challenges us to be honest when forming our opinions- to see the man behind the action, and not just the action, no matter how destructive it is. Whether it's an African man or an American man, a Christian or a Muslim—man is the one responsible. Several times the destruction or safety of “mankind” is mentioned. Mankind is all of man, not just one nation of them… I would recommend this movie to anyone who normally likes this genre of film. There were a few predictable moments, but several unexpected events still took place. It keeps it's audience engaged and it's outcome certainly didn't disappoint me. I left the theater entertained, but more so moved and contemplating… Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: None See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments below:
Positive
Positive - What a great movie! Lots of twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged and guessing. Refreshingly clean for a movie of this genre with a message worth hearing. Positive - My wife and I both need a little diversion and wanted something of intrigue and action—and, for us on this night, this movie fit the bill. The story is compelling and we enjoyed the twist of plot. There is a bit of language—particularly from one of the non-dominate characters (blond headed FBI agent), but other than than that and some obvious violence—it is tolerable for most young adults. Fans of “24” or “Bourne Identity” or “Vantage Point” would likely enjoy this movie. There is some interesting perspectives of the Islamic faith that's shared, but it is not evangelical in that regard. From a biblical, Christian worldview perspective, however,I think there is analogy that can be drawn in recognizing that we are all at war, spiritually. It is easy to be deceived—and to misunderstand other peoples action. Also, it's never clear what God's ultimate plan is until we see it in the end. We can also conclude that it is important to seek God's will and fight the good fight of faith, no matter what. The important thing—not necessarily depicted in this movie—is that we should always seek to draw strength from God in fighting the good fight. Positive - Excellent movie. Makes you think a lot. While it approaches everything from a muslim point-of-view, it really makes the viewer think about what “god” really wants from us. The main character questions true morality. I thought they did an excellent job of keeping the Christian character in a good light and not a complete jerk. A lot of good story, character development and a couple of twists you don't see coming. My wife and I thought it was worth the money. Positive - A movie worth seeing as it will provide a very different perspective and window into the minds of other people—particularly that of fanatical Islamists. The pace is steady if slightly slow and the acting is good for the Islamists while appears lesser as pertains to the American characters. (Are we truly so 1-dimensional?) Neutral
none Negative
Negative - My adult daughter and I viewed the trailer in deciding whether or not to see this movie. We both felt the trailer misrepresented the main theme, not a big surprise… Misty Wagner, the contributor, wrote, “Samir is a moral man. God is at the heart of everything he does. Though many Christians would see this and argue that his God isn't the same as our God, I would beg to differ.” Excuse me; Christianity believes that Christ is God incarnate (love and forgiveness coming to us in the form of Jesus). Islam prohibits it as the Qur'an teaches Jesus is just a man, a prophet. Islam’s god is NOT the Christian’s God at all! In fact, Islam is about as far from Christianity as one can get. The trailer made the conflict seem to be from within the FBI in its fight against terrorism with a “traitor” being someone inside the FBI agent as Roy Clayton (Guy Pierce) vs undercover Samir Horn (Don Cheadle). However, the traitor is a “good” Muslim working within the bad Muslim world. We both felt deceived and wished we would have not spent the time or the money on this one. Negative - I really wanted to enjoy this film and watched it with Clearplay Filters so that really helped tone down the objectionable content, but I couldn't get away from the fact that the hero is muslim. The reviewer said they weren't sure that Cheadle wasn't worshipping the God Christian's worship in the movie, and the last line gives enough room to question, but everything else in the movie, including what the main character says all the way through would lead you to believe otherwise. I'm glad the overall theme was good, but I wouldn't watch this again, and I couldn't recommend this to friends, and if I'd realized I'd disagree with the reviewer on the hero's faith I wouldn't have watched this at all. It's too bad, because there was a lot that could have been enjoyed about this movie. I just needed to tell the truth about what I walked away with from this one, a semi-assault on my faith, and I wanted to warn others. Comments from young people
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