However, it does use the kidnapping/torture angle introduced as his motivation. And at several moments in the film he flashes back to this event to fuel himself.
It really is a shame, because there are also scenes which indicate his interpretation of Islam is a motivator. But this is overshadowed by the vindictive element. It only begins to explore what I think should have been examined deeper.
So I think the writers did themselves a disservice with the kinapping/torture part, because in the end it really did not add to the plot, and it made the character less realistic, less believable. And it obviously points to a blame American syndrome, when there are more complex issue I would have wnated it to explore. One can only question why...
I would recommend it to all as an interesting film. I don't think it is going to convince anyone to go blow themselves up.
Thanks, I'm going to send your post to Mark. Being you're one of the few who actually SAW the movie, it means the most.