Watch Five Pillars

Five Pillars is a thought-provoking drama film that explores the themes of faith, family, love, and betrayal. The story follows the lives of five Muslim men in the UK, who are all connected in different ways. The film opens with Malik (Tom Bott), a young and devout Muslim man, who is struggling to find his place in the world. He lives with his father, who is the Imam of their local mosque, and his mother who is a devout Muslim herself. Malik's brother Amir (Aaron Jeffcoate) is a rebellious character who often clashes with his father's ideologies and beliefs. Despite this, Malik tries his best to be a good son and follow the Five Pillars of Islam.

The Five Pillars are the five basic acts of worship in Islam, which are Shahada (belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These Five Pillars are the cornerstone of the Muslim faith, and the film explores how different characters interpret and abide by them.

As the story unfolds, we meet the other central characters - an ambitious Muslim businessman named Zaid (Adam Probets), who is trying to build a successful career while staying true to his faith, and a troubled young man named Ismail (Hassan Khan), who is struggling with substance abuse and guilt over a tragic event in his past.

Each of these characters is dealing with their own set of challenges, and as the film progresses, their lives become increasingly intertwined. Through their struggles, the audience is given a glimpse into the complexities of the Muslim experience in the UK, especially in the wake of rising Islamophobia and other societal challenges.

One of the strengths of Five Pillars is the way it explores different aspects of Muslim life in a nuanced and authentic way. The film delves into the inner workings of mosques, the importance of family and community, and the difficulties that Muslim youth face in navigating the tensions between modernity and tradition. It also touches on important socio-political issues such as racism, immigration, and the rise of far-right ideology in the UK.

The performances in the film are also noteworthy, with Tom Bott delivering a standout portrayal of a young man struggling to find his place in the world. He is supported by an excellent ensemble cast, with each actor bringing unique depth and nuance to their respective roles.

Director Jon Rosling deserves praise for the way he handles the sensitive subject matter at hand. While the film is not without its flaws, it succeeds overall in presenting a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the Muslim experience in the UK. The script is well-written, and the pacing is strong, with multiple plot threads neatly woven together to create a compelling narrative.

Overall, Five Pillars is a captivating and thought-provoking film that explores important themes and raises timely questions about faith, family, and society. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in modern British Muslim narratives, and a powerful reminder of the complexities and nuances of the Muslim experience in the UK today.

Five Pillars is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.