Cast
View AllOmar Regan
as Mo
Eric Roberts
as Officer Richardson
Joshua Salaam
as Police Chief
Baba Ali
as Abdul
Quadir Lateef
as Sgt. Jackson
Preacher Moss
as Homeless man
Yasemin Kanar
as Leila
Amir Sulaiman
as Dr. Brown
Adam Saleh
as Jihad
Nadine Abu-Jubara
as Shireen
Noor Tagouri
as News Anchor
Najmah Abraham
as Waitress
Sheikh Akbar
as Osama
Idris Ali
as Jamal
Leila Almas
as Azizah
Crew
Director
- Omar Regan
Writer
- Omar Regan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, American Sharia examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Omar Regan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of American Sharia took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2124 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While American Sharia shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Gandhi, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, American Sharia offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Training Day and Times and Winds explore similar territory, American Sharia stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 1, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 36m
