Miral (2010)

A drama centered on an orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in the wake of Arab-Israeli war who finds herself drawn into the conflict.

Director:

Julian Schnabel

Writers:

Rula Jebreal (scenario), Rula Jebreal (novel)

Stars:

Hiam Abbass, Asma Al Shiukhy, Willem Dafoe

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hiam Abbass	...	Hind Husseini
Asma Al Shiukhy	...	Woman Wrapping Body
Neemeh Khalil	...	Woman Wrapping Body
Jamil Khoury	...	Brother Amin (as Jameel Khoury)
Basel Husseini	...	Brother Khalid
Hanna Shammas	...	Husseini Brother
Ibrahim Husseini	...	Husseini Brother
Hazem Said	...	Husseini Brother
Vanessa Redgrave	...	Bertha Spafford
Willem Dafoe	...	Eddie
Makram Khoury	...	Governor Khatib
Wadeeka Khoury	...	Hind's Mother
Virginia Amsis	...	Young Girl at Christmas Party
Ansam Qupti	...	Other Girl at Christmas Party
Fadi Shahen	...	Musician at Christmas Party

Storyline

A drama centered on an orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in the wake of Arab-Israeli war who finds herself drawn into the conflict.

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Plot Keywords:

jerusalem israel | boyfriend girlfriend relationship | one word title | reference to the rolling stones | israeli occupation | 

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Taglines:

Is this the face of a terrorist?

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some violent content including a sexual assault

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [de]

Country:

France Israel Italy India

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 September 2010 (Italy)

Filming Locations:

Israel

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$66,244 (USA) (25 March 2011)

Gross:

$371,352 (USA) (13 May 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pathé, Eran Riklis Productions, Eagle Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS SDDS

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[first lines]
Miral: My name is Miral Hasna. I was Born in 1973. But my story really begins in 1947 with Hind Husseini.

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Connections

Features Repulsion (1965)

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Soundtracks

"Carbon"
Written by Laurie Anderson & Lou Reed
Performed by Laurie Anderson & Lou Reed
Published by Difficult Music & Lou Reed Music
Courtesy of Difficult Music

User Reviews

Filming a book can be Naughty or nice!

First I must say that before seeing this film I had not read the book it was based on so I have to assume that the film follows the book. As the writer of the book also participated in the scripting of the film, one would think that this film is a collaboration between the author of the book and the director Julian Schnabel. This being said, I have tried to review this film without prejudice.

When the film ended my first thoughts were that this film would cause a stir as it is directed by a Jew and yet the subject matter of the film shows the Jewish State of Israel in a negative light. My concerns were not as much for the film itself, as it is a well made film, but for the attitude that the Jewish population would have towards the film. In my own experience, as someone who has been directly involved with distribution of film, whenever there is a group that has a negative response the distribution can go one of two ways; the first being limited distribution as some will not support showing the film in their theaters, and the second being a tremendous response to good cinema where theaters will take the risk and book the film at a national level. "Miral" a film that should have widespread distribution, because of what the Jewish population will do in response to the anti Israel theme, this film will be reduced to Art House distribution.

"Miral" deals with a Palestinian community in turmoil due to change. That change was the effect that the new Statehood of Israel caused. As with any new regimes change is mandatory and an often misunderstood process and the story of "Miral" reflects that process.

The film boasts a well woven story, competent acting, and a visceral message. This is a relevant film and well worth seeing. It is multiple-layered and a multiple-leveled film. It would be a shame if the Jewish Community misreads the intention of the film. Films like this do not come around often and avoiding it out of ignorance would be a mistake.

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