Caliphate

A subject so fragile I dare not comment on it in my current frame of mind. But the series is definitely one of the handful of the best things I've seen from Netflix, and even if I had to, I can't think of a single thing Caliphate did wrong. I could complain that it crossed the line with me emotionally a few times, but I guess I knew what I was getting into. An incredible series in every way. (07/13/2022)

Although it might not be immediately apparent from the relatively high rating I’ve given this series, I am disappointed. The show had an absolutely stellar start; I would have easily rated it five stars without hesitation and wouldn’t have regretted it at all. I don't know of any other TV series that tackles such a sensitive topic and gives us a glimpse into life in Raqqa, Syria. The attractiveness of the topic and setting gave it extra points right from the start. Then, viewers must appreciate the authenticity of the performances, with each character portrayed with such depth and feeling, which is rare these days. It set up a compelling drama with several subplots leading to a grand finale where all these stories were supposed to come together into a cohesive whole. Herein lies the problem, specifically regarding the last two episodes. The script stopped working. While the characters’ actions could be considered surprising, their motivations made absolutely no sense. I’m honestly not sure if I want to commit to a second season. The show offered emotions and harsh situations accompanied by chilling music, but overall, they failed with the ending. It’s a shame. I rate it 70% (a weaker four stars). (05/04/2020)

Reviews of movies and series are usually derived from comparison, and unfortunately, I watched Caliphate only after finishing the excellent Israeli series Our Boys. It is among the rare titles that can be labeled as perfect, and precise, without any flaws or missteps. Caliphate is, let's say, fresh and made on a current topic, but it is far from a perfect experience. The acting performances are average in some cases, and the thought processes and actions of some of the characters evoke the feeling of the screenwriter's effort to go in a specified direction rather than a credible reality. I read somewhere a comparison to the American series Homeland, and I don't consider that a compliment. At times, there is clearly an attempt to make the story more attractive no matter what. Nevertheless, it is an interesting and recommendable series. Overall impression: 75%. (05/22/2020)

Unlike various lunatics (and there are more than a few), the creators of the series did not try to claim that a terrorist is a charming tan fellow, whose relation to faith allows him to empathize with other people’s needs and do many selfless good deeds. The Swedes offer a raw, unsugarcoated look at what awaits Europe if people don’t come to their senses. It had atmosphere, it was entertaining and even enlightening. I hope that the creators will survive any potential Islamist criticism. (06/27/2020)

Caliphate is definitely worth watching. It offers a very intense experience that falls short of a five-star rating due to occasional over-dramatization, leaving little room for the viewer to believe that the characters' plans will work out. I admire the courage of Swedish Television for tackling a controversial and relevant topic without resorting to shallow condemnation of Islam or a blanket defense of those who claim to follow Allah in Sweden. Caliphate rightly suggests that radical forms of Islam, or political Islam, are less prevalent in traditionally Islamic countries than in non-native ones (such as Sweden, France, or Germany), where the efforts to assimilate socially excluded migrants into mainstream society proved particularly unsuccessful. For those with a specific attitude towards life, Islamism represents a means of finding oneself and sacrificing oneself in the struggle against a society that looks down on them, or in a worse case, despises and opposes them. Furthermore, the show's producers artfully demonstrate through the characters that Islamism is paradoxically not based on a thorough understanding of the Qur'an and Islam itself, with the religion serving as a mere crutch and its teachings being twisted, quotes and words being picked out of context and intentionally interpreted in a way to support violence in the name of God. The show effectively conveys this message, supported by great acting, with each episode's oppressive atmosphere leaving a deep impression on the viewer and providing a distinct catharsis. I rate this show strong four stars. (04/02/2022)