Paradise Now (2005)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

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
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 | 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:

Said: You cannot alter your fate. There is no other way. It's God's will.

Movie Connections:

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

Brilliant film about tense subject

Very powerful film that goes beyond the obvious, delivering a strong insight into a difficult subject, while maintaining a tension and drama that makes it impossible not to be stirred by the film. Delivering a film without falling into the pitfalls of political correctness or propaganda is an achievement in itself.

A must see for anyone.

A strong cast and powerful photography in a film that was long overdue. Strong script, powerful performances by the entire cast, excellent photography and a story that will stay with you long after you have left the cinema.