Movie No. 63 (2015): PARADISE NOW

Paradise Now (2005)

Director: Hany Abu-Assad

Cast: Ali Suliman, Kais Nashef

In Arabic, with English subtitles

Winner, 2005 Golden Globes Award for Best Foreign-Language Film. Nominee, 2005 Academy Awards for Best Foreign-Language Film.

I saw the movie in 2006. It was shocking. Now, after the recent Turkey, Beirut, and Paris attacks which, according to the news, involved suicide bombers, I felt some wanting to see the movie again. I remember the movie being so engaging, but I already forgot some details. Anyway, good movies need to be seen again (and again).

The movie takes us closer to the minds of would-be suicide bombers hours before the deed. It's disturbing to see two friends from the West Bank not showing any sign of resistance when they're told they've been chosen for a mission, as suicide bombers, to attack Tel Aviv. These people are not portrayed is violent person. They're like other ordinary people doing ordinary things like the others in their community. Hours before the deed, something goes awry which forces the masterminds of this rite of passage to martyrdom to change plans. It is during this new plan that we really get into the minds of the would-be terrorists (or martyrs). We even get a glimpse of the roots of this "culture." And it's really disturbing. But, even if this thing really happens or even if the story is based on reality, I can't feel hatred toward the "martyrs." I just don't know how to react or feel. It's paralyzing. 

Rating: 4.0/4.0

Date seen: November 20, 2015