A young Arab-American girl struggles with her sexual obsession, a bigoted Army reservist and her strict father during the Gulf War.
Director:
Alan Ball
From metacritic.com
Alan Ruck draws connections between his breakout role in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and his recent work on the Emmy-nominated "Succession."
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1 win & 3 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Summer Bishil | ... | Jasira Maroun | |
| Chris Messina | ... | Barry | |
| Maria Bello | ... | Gail Monahan | |
| Peter Macdissi | ... | Rifat Maroun (as Peter MacDissi) | |
| Gemmenne de la Peña | ... | Denise | |
| Robert Baker | ... | Mr. Joffrey | |
 |
Eamonn Roche | ... | School Photographer |
| Aaron Eckhart | ... | Travis Vuoso | |
| Carrie Preston | ... | Evelyn Vuoso | |
| Chase Ellison | ... | Zack Vuoso | |
| Irina Voronina | ... | "Snow Queen" Centerfold | |
| Cleo King | ... | Sales Clerk | |
|
|
Michael McShae | ... | Middle School Jerk |
| D.C. Cody | ... | Middle School Jerk | |
| Soledad St. Hilaire | ... | Janitor | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
See All (32) »
Storyline
Against the backdrop of the first Gulf War, Jasira Maroun is 13, physically well developed but naïve and unable to say no. As puberty arrives, her mother sends her from Syracuse to Houston to her curt, up-tight, Lebanese-born father. Over the next few months, Jasira must navigate her father's strict indifference, her discovery of sexual pleasure, the casual racism of a neighbor boy and her classmates, the sexual advances of the boy's father, the proffered friendship of a pregnant neighbor, and her attraction to Thomas, an African-American classmate whom her father forbids her to see. Things happen to her, but can she take responsibility and control, or is tragedy inevitable? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Plot Keywords:
arab american | family relationships | sexual awakening | loss of virginity | child abuse |Taglines:
How can you find yourself if no one can see you? See more »Genres:
DramaMotion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong disturbing sexual content and abuse involving a young teen, and for language | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See more on IMDbPro »
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
26 September 2008 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Untitled Alan Ball Project See more »Edit
Box Office
Opening Weekend USA:
$52,823, 14 September 2008Gross USA:
$372,124Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$691,733Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
(DVD)Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
Edit
Barry: You're beautiful just the way you are, Jasira. Those other girls are just jealous because you're growing up faster than they are. And you're prettier than they are. Listen, don't let it get you down. Stupid names they're calling you. This year - just gimme a second
[wets the razor]
Barry: this year, your gonna shut them up. Only, probably you shouldn't tell your mom about this.
See more »
Music by Wadih Al Safi
Written by Assaad Sebaali
Performed by Wadih Al Safi
Remix and mastering at Georges Al Safi studios, Beirut
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Actress Summer Bishil turned 18 before filming started, allowing her to play the 13 year old Jasira without any restrictions as to what sexually themed scenes she could participate in. See more »Goofs
Melina tells Jasira that an adult having sex with someone under the age of 16 is considered statutory rape. In Texas, however, that age is 17. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Barry: You're beautiful just the way you are, Jasira. Those other girls are just jealous because you're growing up faster than they are. And you're prettier than they are. Listen, don't let it get you down. Stupid names they're calling you. This year - just gimme a second
[wets the razor]
Barry: this year, your gonna shut them up. Only, probably you shouldn't tell your mom about this.
See more »
Soundtracks
Min Jbinak el WaddahMusic by Wadih Al Safi
Written by Assaad Sebaali
Performed by Wadih Al Safi
Remix and mastering at Georges Al Safi studios, Beirut
See more »
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Alan Ball steps on familiar yet virgin territory in more ways than one.An American suburb with the look and feel of a populated desert. American flags and neighboring spirits. Summer Bishil surfs uncannily the waves of her puberty. Innocence and awareness. Curiosity, excitement and fear. She has extraordinary moments as her father played by a superb Peter MacDissi marks and signs his territory with ancestral laws and American longings. A terrifying living contradiction. This time bomb of a man is the most realistic caricature I've ever seen. Played for real with frightening earnestness. There is also Aaron Eckhart who proves, once more, he's one of the most fearless actors around. His performance is as brilliant as it is uncomfortable to watch. I recommend it if you're in the mood for a couple of hours of gasps and nervous laughter.