Watch The Believer

The Believer is a 2001 drama film directed by Henry Bean and starring Ryan Gosling, Summer Phoenix, and Peter Meadows. The film tells the story of Danny Balint, a young Jewish man who becomes a neo-Nazi skinhead. Set in New York City, the film examines themes of identity, religion, and fanaticism. Danny Balint is a brilliant student of Jewish religion who has rejected his faith and become a neo-Nazi skinhead. He spends his days participating in violent acts against Jews and immigrants, and his nights studying Talmud with a group of fellow Jewish fascists. Danny is a complex character who is both repelled by and attracted to his Jewish roots, and who too often embraces his worst instincts.

The film explores Danny's troubled relationship with his own Jewish identity, as well as the tension between his desire for belonging and his hatred for those who are different from him. The Believer is a dark and provocative film that challenges the viewer to confront uncomfortable questions about race, religion, and the nature of evil.

Ryan Gosling delivers a mesmerizing performance as Danny Balint, imbuing the troubled character with a palpable sense of anguish and desperation. Summer Phoenix is equally compelling as Carla, a young woman who becomes Danny's love interest and accomplice in his neo-Nazi activities. Peter Meadows plays Linares, an FBI agent who tries to bring Danny to justice.

The Believer is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes that remain relevant today, nearly 20 years after its release. The film offers no easy answers or comforting messages, but it does challenge the viewer to question their own assumptions and beliefs. The film is both a harrowing portrait of a troubled young man and a searing indictment of the toxic ideologies that fuel hatred and violence.

Overall, The Believer is a must-see film for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human identity and the dangerous allure of extremist ideologies. It is a challenging and thought-provoking work of cinema that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

The Believer is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 75.