الجنّة الآن
Paradise Now (2005)
PARADISE NOW (2005)
It’s difficult to fathom, in retrospect, just how audacious, incendiary, and courageous of a film Paradise Now was upon its release in 2005. The New York Times likened it to humanizing Hitler, and their review used the word “terrorist” 7 times. Its UK release was delayed over a year. The Iraq War was well underway, the second intifada was raging, and the rhetoric of dehumanization was at a fever pitch. Taking the simple premise of following two suicide bombers in the hours before their planned martyrdom, Hany Abu-Assad brilliantly infuses romance, suspense, and the darkest of humor into a staggering concoction that marked a new chapter in Palestinian cinema. Abu-Assad’s genius has always been in revitalizing trite Hollywood formulas to create something far more meaningful, all while charming and entertaining mass audiences. We’re left with a portrait of Palestinian desperation, grief, and rage that continues to resonate through the ages. — MUNIR ATALLA
Country of Origin: Palestine
Run Time: 1h 31m
Language: Arabic
Rank in the list: 12th
Genre(s): Drama
Synopsis
The story follows two young Palestinian men, Said (Kais Nashef) and Khaled (Ali Suliman), whose lives in the West Bank city have ground to a halt. But when a shadowy figure named Jamal (Amer Hlehel) offers them a shot at martyrdom by carrying out a suicide attack in Tel Aviv, the two men’s lives are suddenly invigorated. The film follows their final days, as they grapple with their consciences, visit family and friends–and in Said’s case, a young woman he has been flirting with–and prepare for the attack. But they find both practical and emotional issues stand in their way, leading to an anguished and entirely moving finale.
Trailer
Notable Cast and Crew
Hany Abu-Assad
Director
Kais Nashef
Cast (Said)
Ali Suliman
Cast (Khaled)
Lubna Azabal
Cast (Suha)
