Omar is an Oscar-nominated film that was made in Israel and Palestinian territory by a filmmaker (Hany Abu-Assad) and actors who are apparently Israeli citizens but are ethnic Palestinians. It was mostly funded by folks in Palestinian territory. Not surprisingly, it takes a decidedly anti-Israel point of view—which is not surprising. However, the way the film worked out depressed me and wondered how the film was received in the West Bank and Gaza. I hope there were no standing ovations at the end.
The film is about a Palestinian guy (Omar, played by Adam Bakri) who, along with a couple friends, shoot an Israeli soldier. Oddly, the Israeli authorities seem to know almost instantly that Omar was involved and they arrest and torture him until he agrees to work for them covertly. However, once he's released, Omar doesn't do exactly what he agreed to do and begins work on additional terrorist activities. Soon, he's arrested again and this time he begs to have a second chance to work for Israeli intelligence. The reason seems to be because Omar is in love with a girl and is even willing to consider helping the Jews in order to avoid spending the rest of his life in prison. What exactly happens next, you'll just need to see for yourself.
Technically speaking, Omar is a very good film. Its plot is engaging, the acting and direction are very nice. It is a movie, however, that is bound to ruffle a lot of feathers. When I saw the film, especially the ending, I felt very disturbed. The film clearly takes a stand against the Israeli government and their handling of the Palestinians—some of these complaints are very reasonable. But, at the same time, the film also seems to throw gasoline on the hatred that is already there— especially the ending which seemed to stoke the fires of hate. It could have chosen the high road but didn't. It also tended to direct the viewer more against Israel's use of torture and the work of their secret police as opposed to the main characters who are terrorists who killed someone and planned on killing more. In fact, with a different ending, it would have made the film a lot better. Now I am NOT a guy with super-strong opinions about Israel and the Palestinians—though I know more violence isn't the solution. I am much more wondering if there ever is a chance for peace and, unfortunately, assume there isn't. This film does not appear to be working hard in that direction but on inflaming instead. On the other hand, I assume I am just wasting my time complaining. If you are inclined to really hate Israel, you'll love the film. If you are inclined to hate Palestinians, you'll hate the film. And, if you see both sides as perpetuating death (regardless of which one is MORE at fault—this sort of thinking gets us nowhere) well, perhaps you might just want to watch something else.
I am sorry that my review seems less like a review than a commentary, but with this sort of film it's practically impossible NOT to have your own opinions and biases affect the way you see and assess the film. You decide if it's worth seeing.
The film is about a Palestinian guy (Omar, played by Adam Bakri) who, along with a couple friends, shoot an Israeli soldier. Oddly, the Israeli authorities seem to know almost instantly that Omar was involved and they arrest and torture him until he agrees to work for them covertly. However, once he's released, Omar doesn't do exactly what he agreed to do and begins work on additional terrorist activities. Soon, he's arrested again and this time he begs to have a second chance to work for Israeli intelligence. The reason seems to be because Omar is in love with a girl and is even willing to consider helping the Jews in order to avoid spending the rest of his life in prison. What exactly happens next, you'll just need to see for yourself.
Technically speaking, Omar is a very good film. Its plot is engaging, the acting and direction are very nice. It is a movie, however, that is bound to ruffle a lot of feathers. When I saw the film, especially the ending, I felt very disturbed. The film clearly takes a stand against the Israeli government and their handling of the Palestinians—some of these complaints are very reasonable. But, at the same time, the film also seems to throw gasoline on the hatred that is already there— especially the ending which seemed to stoke the fires of hate. It could have chosen the high road but didn't. It also tended to direct the viewer more against Israel's use of torture and the work of their secret police as opposed to the main characters who are terrorists who killed someone and planned on killing more. In fact, with a different ending, it would have made the film a lot better. Now I am NOT a guy with super-strong opinions about Israel and the Palestinians—though I know more violence isn't the solution. I am much more wondering if there ever is a chance for peace and, unfortunately, assume there isn't. This film does not appear to be working hard in that direction but on inflaming instead. On the other hand, I assume I am just wasting my time complaining. If you are inclined to really hate Israel, you'll love the film. If you are inclined to hate Palestinians, you'll hate the film. And, if you see both sides as perpetuating death (regardless of which one is MORE at fault—this sort of thinking gets us nowhere) well, perhaps you might just want to watch something else.
I am sorry that my review seems less like a review than a commentary, but with this sort of film it's practically impossible NOT to have your own opinions and biases affect the way you see and assess the film. You decide if it's worth seeing.