Paradise Now (2005)

Storyline:
The story is about two Palestinian close friends, Said and Khaled, who were recruited by an extremist group to perpetrate a terrorist attack in Tel-Aviv, blowing up themselves with bombs attached to their bodies.
However, things do no go as expected and both friends must separate from each other in the border.
One of them maintains his purpose of carrying the attack to the end, and the other will have his doubts about it.

Director: Hany Abu-Assad
Writers: Hany Abu-Assad
Stars: Ali Sulman, Hamza Abu-Aiaash, Lotuf Neusser
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0445620

Year: 2005
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: Palestine

Trailer:


Review:
A powerful and remarkable movie among a tragedy story.
As this movie is about Palestinian terrorists, it is expected for it to be hated by palestinians. But as the director explained, he doesn't justify the bombers' actions but does take a hard look at their motivations. Though many view their actions as mindless and repugnant, the characters in Paradise Now have their doubts.
It's a risky proposition for any artist to humanize a terrorist in an era when the word "terrorist" has become synonymous with "evil". The director did a great job at keeping us away from the stereotypes and explains why two seemingly ordinary men would be willing to sacrifice themselves in such actions of terrorism.
The movie offers food for thought and reminds us that, in any, war, one who understands the mindset of his opponent gains an important tactical advantage.
Terrific movie, a ticking clock thriller with moral exercise. Also, it says more about Middle Eastern politics from the Palestinian side than any other movie.

Personal Rating: 8/10

Posted in: 2005,Crime,Drama,Palestine,Thriller