Paradise Now (2005)

Director:

Hany Abu-Assad

Writers:

Hany Abu-Assad (writer)
Bero Beyer (writer)

Release Date:

7 September 2005 (Belgium)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

In the next 36 hours, two childhood friends may do the unthinkable.

Plot:

Two childhood friends are recruited for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.

Plot Keywords:

Suicide Bomber | Terrorist | Freedom | Terrorism | Video Camera

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 13 wins & 9 nominations

Cast

Lubna Azabal	...	Suha Azzam
Hamza Abu-Aiaash	...	Checkpoint Soldier
Kais Nashif	...	Said
Lotuf Neusser	...	Car Owner
Ali Suliman	...	Khaled
Mohammad Bustami	...	Abu-Salim
Ahmad Fares	...	Tea Boy
Waleed On-Allah	...	Taxidriver Suha
Asaad Dwikat	...	Shawarma Shop Owner
Imad Saber	...	Shawarma Customer
Mohammad Kosa	...	Photographer
Amer Hlehel	...	Jamal
Hiam Abbass	...	Said's Mother
Nour Abd El-Hadi	...	Said's Sister
Amjad Al-Imlah	...	Said's Brother

Also Known As:

Paradise Now (France)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material and brief strong language.

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

Occupied Palestinian Territory | France | Germany | Netherlands | Israel

Language:

Arabic | English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS | DTS

Certification:

Netherlands:MG6 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Finland:S | Australia:M | Sweden:11 | Germany:12 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Zurich) | Brazil:14 | Ireland:12A | Singapore:M18 | Malaysia:(Banned) | Argentina:13 | Hungary:16 | Hong Kong:IIA | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Iceland:12 | Portugal:M/12 | South Korea:12 | Iceland:16 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Nablus, Palestine

Company:

Augustus Film

Trivia:

When the film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, much controversy surrounded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision to designate it as a submission from the Palestinian Authority, rather than Palestine. Due to much protestation from writer-director Hany Abu-Assad, the film was eventually announced by Will Smith as being a submission from the Palestinian territories.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Khaled and and Said are sitting on the rocks waiting to cross the fence, Khaled puts his right hand on Said's shoulder and holds it there. When the shot changes to a different angle, Khaled's right hand is by his side.

Quotes:

Car Owner: [to Saïd] It's crooked! Just like your father!

Movie Connections:

Featured in 2006 Independent Spirit Awards (2006) (TV)

Paradise lost

"Paradise Now" is a rare film in which one sees another angle to the Middle East conflict first hand. In fact, the movie is non violent while making its point, something, that in another director's hands, would have taken a different path.

Director Hani Abu Assad takes us behind the scenes as two young men are being asked to perform the most daring act in order to make a statement to the enemy, give up their own lives! Mr. Assad takes us along as this pair prepares for what could be their last day on earth. In fact, one of the things that have always puzzled us is the idea that the young people giving their own lives, go to their deaths so quietly, and without any questions posed to the leaders that are asking for their sacrifice.

We watch as the two good friends, Said and Khaled spend the last night with their families, not even giving a hint of what they are about to do. Later, in a scene that reminded us of "The Last Supper", Said and Khaled sit with the leader of their group to partake their last meal. Then, we watch as they both are transformed to resemble their own enemy.

The two young leads, Kais Nashef and Ali Suliman are perfect in their roles. Lubna Azabal, is seen as a young Moroccan woman who has met the pair at the garage where they worked and seems to act as their conscience because she makes them reflect on the deed they are going to perform.

"Paradise Now" points to a lot of the causes for the problems in the region where the contrast between the two sides is like day and night. Nablas, the town where Said and Khaled live could well be in another planet, while Tel Aviv, with its skyscrapers, modernity and order, is perhaps, the paradise they are searching for.

The film is worth a look since it is a different account about the tragedy in that part of the world.