Paradise Now (2005)

Cautiously Recommended

The Netherlands/Israel/Germany/France

Feature Film

Original Title: الجنّة الآن

Director: Hany Abu-Assad

Writers: Hany Abu-Assad, Bero Beyer

Cinematographer: Antoine Héberlé

Composer: Jina Sumedi

Cast: Kais Nashif, Ali Suliman, Lubna Azabal, Amer Hlehel, Hiam Abbass

Although its scope visuals may be a little slick, flashy even, for the subject at hand, this fascinating exploration of difficult subject matter – depicting the lives of two working-class Palestinian friends, who have been chosen to become martyrs, detailing (what is to be) their last night and day on Earth – manages, in an even handed manner, despite a few didactic moments, to be both respectful and unhistrionic. Iain.Stott