Violence only implied, movie gets in your head
Added 1/5/2010
I had read or heard about this Arabic language movie, and I was very interested so I bought a copy. Just as an aside, I told a coworker and friend that I had purchased the film. He is Egyptian and the movie had a special interest for him. We made a night of it, his wife and mother prepared a traditional Egyptian dinner and we watched the movie with his wife and his parents. He sent the kids to their rooms, although now I do not believe that to have been necessary.
It is a story about two friends in Palestine that decide to become suicide bombers. It explores why they would take such an action. The Western mind has a hard time comprehending this course of action. The movie paints of picture of two sympathetic individuals in an impossible situation without any real hope.
It also delves a little into the "characters" that recruit these young men (and of late women) for these suicide missions. It is not a pretty or complimentary picture. They make even used car salesmen seem honorable.
It in small ways demonstrates the frustrations and indignations of living in Palestine when most things are ultimately controlled by the Israelis.
While you would think this would be a violent and bloody movie, it is not. What violence there is, is implied or left to the viewer's imagination.
I still do not think suicide bombing is right or the solution to anything, but the movie did give me some insight into why it happens. It gave me insight into a different side of the Palestine/Israel conflict than I receive from the American media.
It is well worth watching for those reasons, and it is a well made movie to boot. Go rent it or buy it.
This movie is in Arabic with English subtitles.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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One-sided, yes, but doesn't take a side
Added 12/14/2009
This film is not a documentary, so it does not cover both sides of the conflict. But it also does not come down on the side of the suicide bombers portrayed. They come to be convinced that they are martyrs, but at the same time, they also realize that they are murderers. If I could have spoken to them, I would have told them just two things:
1. You can't bring on peace by committing violent acts; and
2. If you truly want to help your family, stick around and stay alive for them.
The actors are excellent here, the photography is nicely done, and the director wisely chooses not to be too graphic in the depictions of what these men set out to do. It's better to imply than to be explicit in this case.
There is also an interesting twist regarding one man who decides to back out of the plan.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Fantastic film
Added 12/3/2009
Just wanted to throw out my two cents about this movie for some of you who are on the wire about whether or not to purchase it, or what it's all about. First of all, I would recommend renting it before buying it, so you know what you're getting into. My recommendation as to whether or not you'll enjoy it are that if you sympathize with the Palestinian cause, as I do, you'll probably enjoy this movie. It does *not* try to justify terrorism in any way; rather, it shows why some of the Palestinians resort to terrorism and the sad impact this has on those around them. I for one thought it was a fantastic movie.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Fodder for Extremism
Added 11/22/2009
General Observations:
The film is originally in Arabic with voice-over in English, poorly done with little or no proximity effect in the audio.
The acting quality is often poor or "cheesy."
The plot is monolithic: A one-note theme of martyrdom's cause.
General Themes:
- Palestinians are victims oppressed by evil "Jewish Settlers." The movie clearly evokes the sympathy of the viewer toward the Palestinian "plight" and gives a platform for contempt for the Jews. No attempt is made to provide a balanced view of Israeli rights or sufferings under decades of terrorist attacks.
- Weak "collaborators" (those who reveal Palestinian terrorists or terror plots) versus strong "martyrs" (those who become Palestinian terrorists or suicide bombers)
- The just cause of "resistance" against the "never-ending occupation" of the Jewish State. Clearly the Palestinian argument is promoted that Israel does not have the right to exist.
- The conscience of the "cause" is greater and more noble than the conscience against it
- Said (the suicide bomber) is earning back the honor his father lost when he became a "collaborator"
- The struggle to do the will of Allah
Significant Lines:
- "Kill the collaborators, their families, their neighbors and their friends" (this represents a position validating the execution of collaborating Palestinians by Palestinians)
- Jamal, the recruiter philosophizes at length the rationale for suicide bombings with phrases like "It's time to answer the assassination of [a political prisoner]"
- "You must be very proud of Abu Hazan(?). Because of what he did, our cause is still alive." (a suicide bomber)
- "Either accept inferiority or let me die as a martyr."
- "Under the occupation we're already dead."
- "If you feel weak [having doubts about the terrorist act] read the Koran and pray."
- The "settlers" (Jews) "polluted the water to lower our sperm count."
- Did Said "betray us by not carrying out the mission?"
- "At least we will die as equals."
- "Israel has no morals."
Significant Scenes or References:
- The recruiters for young and impressionable men to become terrorists plot the day and time for others to die for the "cause." They secure "work licenses" in Israel, the contacts and the explosives. They promise instant martyrdom and the glory and honor that they and their families will receive. They also enjoy a pita snack while video taping the last words of one of their martyr recruits.
- The projection of the terrorists backgrounds is that of nice, wholesome families and good people, but all oppressed by the "occupation" of the evil Jews.
- Extremist actions such as burning down a theater in Israel is justified because "the Jews decided not to hire workers from the West Bank."
- Israeli atrocities are suggested such as breaking the leg of a Palestinian resister asking him, "which leg he would like to keep."
- A local video store in Nablus sells and rents videos of the "martyrs" last words before their fatal deed - usually glorifying Allah and justifying their cause in front of a flag while holding a machine gun or strapped to a bomb. The store also rents or sells videos of the execution of the discovered "collaborators" and their last words. The storeowner suggests that the "collaborators" executions are in greater demand.
- Said's father is assumed to have been a collaborator and was executed by the Palestinians. Yet it is clear that Said blames the Jews who "used his [father's] weakness."
- The would-be martyrs are blessed by religious rituals including a "last supper" recreation with Jamal (the recruiter and Jihadist philosopher) at the center (reminiscent of Jesus and His disciples).
- Abu Kharim (sp?), the primary leader of the unnamed "resistance" movement, shows up on the scene to congratulate and bless the honor of their martyrdom and is venerated as "The Legend." He assures them that after the deed, "we will commemorate your success" and your "families will be honored."
- Jewish soldiers are projected as cowards who "won't put themselves at risk" and will shoot the suicide bombers "at a distance" because "he is afraid of death."
- The assurance of Jamal to the would-be martyrs is that immediately after their deed, "two angels are there to greet you."
- The terrorist, Said, is portrayed as having a sensitive, benevolent conscience as he chooses not to blow up a bus filled with women and children. In the final scene, however, Said is shown on a second bus with soldiers (and that is the camera focus) and innocent civilians in the background. Said has now overcomes the temptations to turn back. The camera zooms in on Said's face that appears to reflect newfound peace and determination. We don't see the explosion or the carnage, but it is clear what happens as the screen suddenly goes white rather than fading to black.
Review:
This is not only a poor film, but also an unveiled attempt to persuade the viewer of the desperation of the Palestinian - that, in fact, they are an oppressed people who have no other weapon than that of terrorism. The suicide bombers are victims, not murderers.
Anti-Semitism is rampant throughout the movie and no rebuttal is even attempted. Jews are portrayed as evil "settlers," and immoral oppressors who have no right to "occupy" the Middle East...or to exist.
I find it appalling that such unveiled propaganda was up for several awards. This is neither art nor entertainment. At best, this is fodder for extremism and, at worst, promotes terrorism.
3 out of 8 people found this helpful.
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Interesting Movie
Added 8/4/2009
There is not much else I can say about the film that has not already been said. Truly interesting film.
However, I can say that if you look at the negative reviews that have been posted here, you will not find anything bad about the actual film. Most, if not all, the negative reviews are political in nature. The reviewers have focused more on the message (or lack thereof) of the movie. There are no helpful reviews critiquing the acting, cinematography, character development, etc. This is an interesting, finely made film. Whether or not this film glorifies terrorism is irrelevant; what is more important is whether or not the scenes are executed properly. Do these types of conversations happen among these terrorists? Do "some" Palestinians see these terrorists as heroes? Do these terrorists have friends and families? The difference here is that these terrorists are given a face.
I can see why some people are offended by this film. It is indeed controversial, as this is the first time I have seen a film where the terrorists are given a "face". Movies like United 93 do not go into detail on how the terrorists ended up on their mission. Paradise Now focuses completely on how these terrorists ended up on this mission, and that is where the controversy stems from. You may be angry after you see this film, you may even be repulsed. But that is what makes this film so interesting. Highly recommended.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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