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Perspectives on Palestine: Oscar nominated film will leave you stunned
Other | Wednesday 5th March 2014 | Sukaina
Suspenseful, emotional and rapid are the words that best describe the film that was nominated Best International Film at the Oscars this month. Palestinian funded ‘Omar’ upholds one of the most fast-paced scripts ever seen in a feature film, while still managing to maintain an appreciation for sustained cinematography. This film will assault your emotions with its tantalising realism. Taking your from fear, to laughter in a matter of minutes through its vivid portrayal of the everyday reality of people in the West Bank. The characters struggle with issues of trust and betrayal, fracture relationships that are already overwhelmed; mimicking the tension of their context.
‘Omar’ drags the blurred lines of the Israel/ Palestine conflict back down to earth: combining the emotional suspense of the life of a man living in fear behind the Israeli apartheid, with an appreciation for the land itself, subtly alluding to the reason for a dispute that has been raging for centuries.
The story follows a young man who grapples with loyalty to his friends, girlfriend and family while fighting his instinctive desire to protect himself from the fury of the Israeli authorities. The compelling scene-shifts between moments of tension, that highlight the political situation, and calm scenes of everyday life is reminiscent of the film ‘Drive’, starring Ryan Gosling which was also acclaimed for its cinematic skill. Unlike ‘Drive’ however, what this film lacks in car chases and men with abnormal fighting abilities, it make up for with intense normalcy; making you feel like you are part of the action, sensing every gunshot and each fall.
The cinematic skills enhances the thrill aspect of the feature film, capturing close ups of the characters pain and building mirrored scenes which heighten the tension towards the pivotal point at the end of the film.
Director Hany Abu-Assad, known for ‘Paradise Now’, is experienced with the production of controversial films. However, this production took the risk factor to another level with its location; filming on the West Bank is not a simple matter. Even the funding for the film was problematic but, the fact that such a sense stunning production was made on a comparatively low budget to western films proves the skill of everyone involved. In particular, the lead actor Adam Bakri playing Omar himself, whose portrayal of such a captivating character is an impressive feat, considering this is his first big acting break. Within the first minute of the film you will find yourself willing his character to succeed.
Don’t assume that a lesson in politics will leave no room for humour. The brotherly relationship between the main character and his two friends provides a welcoming insight into a world that is not so different to ours. The clever humour in this film manages to break up the heaviness of its context using a lighter tone. Omar’s friend Amjad is basically director Hany’s equivalent to Shakespeare’s Mercutio, with remarks so stupidly funny that they’re clever.
The power of this film is immense. Terrifying in its honesty and emotionally grating. One of the few films to truly capture Palestinian conditions of the time and project them in art, prepare to be enlightened, as Hany Abu-Assad takes you on a journey through a world shown in such vivid colour.
Written by Sukaina Kadhum
