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| Movie Review: Paradise Now Alternate Title: The Other Side of the Wall
Story: Headdresses off to writer
director Hany Abu-Assad for bravely making a film about
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The point of view is from the Palestinian side
of the wall. Now don't get all nutty on me - this film does not condone
terrorism. What it does do is present the other side of the wall's view
on what they consider an occupation and also see themselves as victims.
He tries very hard to show why two seemingly normal young men would
become suicide (or what I prefer to call, homicide) bombers. Assade puts a face on terrorism. Did I sympathize
with the terrorists? Not for a minute. Do I understand their frustration?
Absolutely. Are there any easy answers? No. Do they discuss the history
of the Palestinian corrupt leadership? Not once. The voice of reason is in the person of a young
woman whose father was a martyred terrorist. Her dialogue and pleas
for peace through negotiation in order to break the cycle of generational
Palestinian violence leaves one with some hope. This film was made before the decision last September
to clear out the West Bank settlers. The director and crew risked life
and limb (one was even kidnapped during the filming by Palestinian terrorists)
to make this film. It has been rewarded by receiving last week's Golden
Globe for Best Foreign Film and has also won the 2005 Amnesty International
Award for Best Film. Acting: Powerful, convincing performances throughout. Predilection: As I have said before, I am a Zionist
and so this film was interesting to me and I also like to see all of
the award winning films.
Food: Lots of vegetarian goodies. Blatant Product Placement: Terror
Squirm Scale: Terror should make anyone squirm
Drift Factor: No drifting.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Nominations come out on January 31st.
We shall see.
Soap Box: My soapbox would be longer than the review
so I will save my diatribe on the mid-east problems for the people on
my political sendlist.
Big Screen or Rental: The chance of getting wide
US distribution are weak so rental might have to be your way to go. Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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