Paradise Now (2005)

Paradise Now: Directed by Hany Abu-Assad. With Lubna Azabal, Hamza Abu-Aiaash, Kais Nashif, Lutuf Nouasser. Two childhood friends are recruited for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.

“u0026quot;Paradise Nowu0026quot; 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 directoru0026#39;s hands, would have taken a different path.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDirector 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWe 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 u0026quot;The Last Supperu0026quot;, 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026quot;Paradise Nowu0026quot; 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is worth a look since it is a different account about the tragedy in that part of the world.”