This is a very interesting drama. Perhaps drama is not the right word though – its reality in parts of our world. Dramatic, intense, gripping – all fit well for this movie. Paradise Now describes life on the edge of human existence – power struggle with establishment, exploitation, weakness turning into grief and betrayal and revenge, reckoning one's past and present, value of existence, protecting and defining identity, retribution, attraction of life and finality of death, complexities of relationships and friendships, sacrifice Vs revenge. There's more. The movie debates different approaches to handling grief and injustice from the past, contrasting what could be done knowing that there will always be uncertainty. There's some very compelling dialog about lack of dignity on earth but finding equality in death, about oppressor managing to pose as the victim and completely marginalizing the real victim. There are subtle moments and also raw exposure, for example, when Said talks about how his death may not make any big change but at least it will continue the resistance. The ending is intense.
Review of Paradise Now
