In Arabic with English subtitles
"Omar" is a gripping, tense Palestinian thriller about love and betrayal
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| Adam Bakri as Omar |
Familiar yet engrossing, the new Palestinian drama "Omar" touches on themes we all know about: family, friends, ideals that are all important to us and things we must often choose to accept or give up. Omar (Adam Bakri) is a Palestinian baker who routinely climbs over the separation wall to meet up with his girl Nadja (Leem Lubany). By night, he's also a freedom fighter with his childhood friends Tarek (Eyad Hourani) and Amjad (Samer Bisharat). Arrested after the killing of an Israeli soldier and tricked into an admission of guilt by association, he agrees to work as an informant. Omar must choose - either be faithful to the cause - or lose everything by betraying. Directed and co-written by Hany Abu-Assad ("Paradise Now"), "Omar" is a captivating, often poignant example of how the Middle East conflict is so distant but is filled with themes we in the West can relate to as well. Nominated for the Best Foreign Film Oscar at this year's Academy Awards, it's also superbly acted by newcomer Bakri in the lead, and his warm chemistry with Nadja is among the film's highlights. Part thriller and part love story, it's really nothing new with other recent films ("Bethlehem") touching on similar themes, though the added love story helps add a little emotion to "Omar's" story. It's also peppered with blood and violence, and that may keep some away from the captivating, touching "Omar," which is one of 2013 best imports.
Wes's Grade: B
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