Paradise Now (2005)

Paradise now is about two friends who are preparing for a suicide bombing. However, there is never an explosion, and that makes the ending indecisive. At the end of the movie said is siting on a bus full of soldiers and the camera zoomed into his eyes. Then the screen turns white. I thought that was very dramatic, and though the explosion is not shown, I think it still happened. Said seemed to be set on going through with his suicide weather he killed people or not, but I believe that he thought he would avenge his father in the process. Overall I liked the movie but it had a very slow beginning, so it was hard to get into it at first. I also noticed that there was not any background music. I feel that if there was music it would have held my interest better in the beginning, but I am not to sure if it would have made much of a difference.

For the most part, this film was interesting to watch. I love the fast paced rhythm of the film. All the action in the film kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not wait to see what happened next. Although the fighting and battle is not something I particularly like in movies and stories, the plot and symbolism of the film made this essence of the film okay for me to watch. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in war films or the West Bank or the Middle East. I would particularly recommend this to any history classes, for it shares so much information and insight into the lives of the people of the West Bank. I find these types of films very interesting, as well as very important ones to watch to understand a different culture.

Paradise Now (Arabic: الجنّة الآن‎) – CATCH IT (A) Paradise Now is an Oscar nominated movie which kind of put the perspective of Palestinian suicide bomber in front of the world. The movie revolves around 2 childhood friends who are recruited for suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, Israel. I really like how the makers have been able to put Palestinian perceptive in front of the world in limited resources. I really like when Said says "How can the occupier be the victim? If they take on the role of oppressor and victim then I have no other choice but to also be a victim and a murderer as well. I don't know how you'll decide, but I will not return to the refugee camp." This dialogue brought tears in my eyes, it reminded me how much Jews talk about the suffering they have went through during World War II by Hitler. And here they are confining Palestinian into walled territory and torturing them. Day by day making settlements to confine them in tighter and tighter area. They took refuge in their country and made it their own with help of powerful sovereigns. The difference between cities is visible when Said travels from damaged buildings and road of Palestine to stunning beach city of Tel Aviv. The performances by Kais Nashef, Ali Suliman and Lubna Azabal are incredible. Especially Kais Nashef who nailed the role of oblivion, naïve, confused, certain at times role of a suicide bomber. On the whole, it's a great movie which we should appreciate that in dozen World War II movies about Nazism, there is a movie which shows how Jews are doing the same.

Watch this if....understanding the mind and motives of a terrorist is intriguing. This is a very well made film that will open your eyes.Acting/Casting: 8* - Being a foreign film, I am not familiar with the cast, but I do believe they do a superb job. I would argue that the lead roles are played as well as any I have seen.Directing/Cinematography/Technical: 7* - This is a perfect example of a crew that squeezed every dime out of their budget and made a terrific film. It keeps you intrigued, but at the same time doesn't wow you with any special effects, etc.Plot/Characters: 7* - Two friends are chosen to carry out a suicide bombing mission, but things don't go quite as planned. It is likely that this film depicts the mind and motives of a terrorist more than any other I have seen.Entertainment Value: 6* - While the movie is a great look at terrorism and the motives, they are some slow spots. Overall I found it entertaining, but I can see where some less dedicated viewers might lose interest.My Score: 8+7+7+6 = 28/4 = 7.0Email your thoughts to [email protected]