Inside the Mind of a Suicide Bomber

2003, Crime  -   10 Comments
7.85
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Ratings: 7.85/10 from 40 users.

What motivates suicide bombers, how do they view the world, and how do civilized societies combat the hateful ideologies that inspire them? Authorities are hesitant to allow outside media an opportunity to interview imprisoned terrorists; they believe it provides these criminals with a persuasive forum from which they can promote their hate. The makers of Inside the Mind of a Suicide Bomber clearly believe that sunlight is the most effective disinfectant. The film takes us inside an Israeli prison and features intimate conversations with three captured terrorists who failed in their attempts at martyrdom.

In one profile, a 17-year old Palestinian boy confesses to the futility and hopelessness of his life. He longed for an escape from his problematic daily existence, and coveted the lavish lifestyles afforded to the wealthiest Israelis. Gripped by these festering insecurities, he was willing to destroy himself and others as long as it earned him a place in paradise where seventy virgins awaited his arrival. Luckily, humanity prevailed and the boy was unable to enact his horrifying suicide mission.

Terrorist organizations target and build upon these feelings of inadequacy, hatred and vengeance in potential recruits. They know which vulnerabilities to exploit, and how to bend the young and impressionable to do their bidding. In the confessions of these thwarted martyrs, we learn how these organizations operate, their detailed instructions on how to carry out a successful mission, and their methods for radicalizing new prospects.

The filmmakers also speak with imprisoned figures who work to recruit, train and equip suicide bombers. Each of them speaks openly and unapologetically about their missions. When they're handed photos of their bloodied and lifeless victims, they respond with cold indifference.

We also witness forensic crews as they sift through the rubble of a bus bombing. They take great pains to collect and preserve the tiniest pieces of evidence, and gather every scattered body part for proper burial.

Incredibly frank and harrowing, Inside the Mind of a Suicide Bomber exposes an increasingly distressing phenomenon on the stage of global terror. The film demystifies the sly tactics and false promises that give birth to this horrific form of terrorism.

Directed by: Tom Roberts

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10 Comments / User Reviews

  1. ju

    This is an example how religion and promising 70 virgins can **** up in someone's head. I got sick looking at these young guys, totally misunderstanding the conception of God.

  2. tamsyn

    What is the difference between this clearly uneducated boy and the Western troops being sent off to bomb and kill people indiscriminately? None, they both do it at the bidding of their safe and sound 'masters'. But in the suicide bomber's case, bit more up close and personal. Sickening.

  3. Mark Gaboury

    Not fair enough to Israel, but still, a pretty good film. All failed bombers should be executed by law after a brief trial. Israel should take all its land back, then take Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt.

    1. badass

      all evil leads to one source: CIA, and of course who controls it.

  4. Adi

    This is a misleading documentary! They make it look like the Palestinians are monsters and the Israelis are saints! Total bull!

  5. Manuel

    the cruel god is the recruiter. Death penalty to god.

    1. graciah

      well done Manuel! you have successfully killed God with your comment. Here have a medal!

  6. David Llewellyn Foster

    The correct full provenance is Witness: Inside the Mind of the Suicide Bomber dir. Tom Roberts Channel 4, 10 Nov. 2003.

    This is a powerful and important film, thank you for posting it as it merits revisiting. What would be worth exploring 14 years on, would be the fate of the individuals featured in the film, how long they were detained, where they are now if still alive, or what has happened to them...whether for example, they have been able to become advocates of non-violence in the face of cruel, unrelenting Israeli repression and atrocity...

    1. bobby Ingram

      I notice we have different opinions from the commenters, that is a healthy thing.
      I do not hate Jews but led by the Zionist I believe they are committing a giant mistake by occupying Palestinian lands/homes

  7. Ray

    Keep resisting Palestine!