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Paradise Now (2005)

7.5
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Ratings: 7.5/10 from 14,832 users   Metascore: 71/100
Reviews: 144 user | 122 critic | 32 from Metacritic.com

Two childhood friends are recruited for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.

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Title: Paradise Now (2005)

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 14 wins & 10 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Suha
Hamza Abu-Aiaash ...
Checkpoint Soldier
Lotuf Neusser ...
Car Owner
...
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
...
Nour Abd El-Hadi ...
Said's Sister
Amjad Al-Imlah ...
Said's Brother
Dina Titi ...
Khaled's Sister
Edit

Storyline

In Nablas on the West Bank, Said and Khaled, who have volunteered to be suicide bombers, receive word it will be tomorrow - the cell's first operation in two years. They're shaven and shorn, in black suits to pose as settlers in Tel Aviv for a wedding. Something goes wrong at the crossing, they're separated, and the action is postponed, long enough for renewed questioning of what they're about to do. Suha, the well-educated and well-traveled daughter of a martyr, challenges the action. She likes Said and has her own ideas. "Under the occupation, we're already dead," is Khaled's analysis. Fate and God's will seem to drive Said. We must be moral, argues Suha. Can minds change? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

From the most unexpected place, comes a bold new call for peace. See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller | War

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material and brief strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Language:

|

Release Date:

7 September 2005 (France)  »

Also Known As:

El paraíso ahora  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$7,144 (Hong Kong) (2 June 2006)

Gross:

$15,806 (Hong Kong) (9 June 2006)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Jina Sumedi wrote an original score for the film that ultimately was not used. See more »

Goofs

When Khalid speeds away in the green car the camera man is reflected in the car's windows. See more »

Quotes

Khaled: We still have paradise.
Suha: There is no paradise. It only exists in your head.
See more »

Connections

Featured in Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People (2006) See more »

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User Reviews

 
Paradise lost
20 November 2005 | by (New York) – See all my reviews

"Paradise Now" is a rare film in which one sees another angle to the Middle East conflict first hand. In fact, the movie is non violent while making its point, something, that in another director's hands, would have taken a different path.

Director Hani Abu Assad takes us behind the scenes as two young men are being asked to perform the most daring act in order to make a statement to the enemy, give up their own lives! Mr. Assad takes us along as this pair prepares for what could be their last day on earth. In fact, one of the things that have always puzzled us is the idea that the young people giving their own lives, go to their deaths so quietly, and without any questions posed to the leaders that are asking for their sacrifice.

We watch as the two good friends, Said and Khaled spend the last night with their families, not even giving a hint of what they are about to do. Later, in a scene that reminded us of "The Last Supper", Said and Khaled sit with the leader of their group to partake their last meal. Then, we watch as they both are transformed to resemble their own enemy.

The two young leads, Kais Nashef and Ali Suliman are perfect in their roles. Lubna Azabal, is seen as a young Moroccan woman who has met the pair at the garage where they worked and seems to act as their conscience because she makes them reflect on the deed they are going to perform.

"Paradise Now" points to a lot of the causes for the problems in the region where the contrast between the two sides is like day and night. Nablas, the town where Said and Khaled live could well be in another planet, while Tel Aviv, with its skyscrapers, modernity and order, is perhaps, the paradise they are searching for.

The film is worth a look since it is a different account about the tragedy in that part of the world.


104 of 136 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
other great movies about the conflict? jmack514
What happended to Khaled? zjm
Jewish/Israeli POVs? drmalama
Had I been in his circumstances, would I have done it ? AmO_MithrandiR
Question about how the movie ended netin2005
the part where they pull the tape off filmfanaticNorCal
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