This is a difficult film to watch. The love which exists between Layla & Qays is very real and almost on a mystical plain. However, their life of love shared intellectually while in University comes to down to earth with a shattering blow when they return to Gaza. Reality of the world in which they live: tradition, educational and financial restriction and family considerations all place enormous pressure on the couple. This is a traditional drama of logic versus the passion of love. Of what happens when the depth of love between two people comes face to face with the harsh nature of their life situation. The couple must decide as individuals how to deal with it and what path to choose.
The acting is excellent and the close up scenes of just the actors brings the viewer into the anguish felt by Layla, Qays and their families. The drama also reveals much of a different culture which is hard for a westerner to accept never mind understand. Yet, it is seen and through the experiences the couple must face the viewer does too. The anxiety of living their lives while trying to find a way to be together or accepting they cannot is deeply felt and reveals the essence of humanity which transcends cultural or geographic background.
The film made me unsettled and uneasy. You feel for the characters but believe Layla is more grounded and realistic while there is no doubting the depth of her love. Quays is totally distracted by his love and his admission of his condition to Layla is a key moment in the film.
The choices for the couple are very tough. Will they make it? You'll just have to watch it to see!
The acting is excellent and the close up scenes of just the actors brings the viewer into the anguish felt by Layla, Qays and their families. The drama also reveals much of a different culture which is hard for a westerner to accept never mind understand. Yet, it is seen and through the experiences the couple must face the viewer does too. The anxiety of living their lives while trying to find a way to be together or accepting they cannot is deeply felt and reveals the essence of humanity which transcends cultural or geographic background.
The film made me unsettled and uneasy. You feel for the characters but believe Layla is more grounded and realistic while there is no doubting the depth of her love. Quays is totally distracted by his love and his admission of his condition to Layla is a key moment in the film.
The choices for the couple are very tough. Will they make it? You'll just have to watch it to see!
