They say: "If you made a bad film, you made it alone. If you made a good film, you all made it." And that's what "Paradise now" did. A good film by all means!
The film didn't win the Oscar, but won more than the academy award. Won the hearts of the millions who saw it. Won the position that it was placed in. Won the controversy around it and it's message reaching out. Won the media coverage given to Palestine and the Palestinians and spotting the light on the Israeli occupation. Won the sympathy and understanding of the world.
I never expected it to win the academy award. Not because it does not deserve it, but because we all know the politics that run the show.
Congratulations, "Paradise Now".
{ 17 } Comments
Haitam wrote:
I find this comment somewhat ironic since most people in the US would characterize Hollywood as having a Democratic rather than Republican outlook on world events and as such would be supportive of Paradise Now rather than dismissive of it.
I admit to being somewhat disturbed by the premise of the movie as reported in the press. Perhaps with the award it will actually be showing in some nearby theaters and I can see for myself (yet another example of why freedom of speech is so important).
Sorry about the typo on your name Haitham. I'd edit the comment if I could.
so true, great post
I hope this movie will be in amman's theaters soon.
I had a chance to see the movie a while back, it was a very well done film, and I am not surprised it won, it made you think about it for days.
I just wish that the hard line Palestinians would concentrate more on making movies like this than on sending children on death missions…it will be much more effective in getting the worlds public opinions on their side than the negative publicity they get when a suicide bomber blows himself and innocent people up.
Well done
We can only hope that other films from the arab standpoint get the same recognition, for me Paradise Now brings back memories of Divine Intervention and West Beirut, both great films in their own right.
Mougly-
From what I know, the youngest suicide bomber was 16. I think that for the sake of the argument, one should be more specific when saying "children", as it gives the impression that 5 and 10 year olds are being manipulated into killing themselves. While a 16 year old is still considered a minor, they do possess the faculty of reason and self-directed will. I am saying this not to condone the suicide bombers, but rather to clarify.
But closer to the point, I congratulate Hany, his cast and crew for the nomination, and Palestine for being recognised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A step in the right direction, however small.
Alf Mabruk!
I could sworn that Paradise now didnt win best foreign category, that other movie won, you know the South African one, Tsotsi or something. Am I mistaken, I have watched the cermony TWICE
Thanks for the update. Frankly I was hoping it would win an academy award. But I think you are right, it won more than that.
I was also a bit confused by the post, and even checked the Academy's site to confirm. Yes, Tsotsi won the category. But Hany "won" a small victory for Palestine. All the lobbying against the film was to no avail.
lol
I never claimed it won the Oscar. I'm saying it won something better :-)
Anyway, added few more words to make it clear ;-)
Thanks for the clarification Haitham. My comment still stands though. Hollywood isn't exactly a Republican hangout.
It may not be republican but it has a proven track record of creating movies that aren't really arab friendly, there are only so many times I can see Chuck Norris fight arab terrorists before it gets lame.
Raymond
Thank you for the comments, I never suggested that 5and 10 year olds are being sent on missions, but a 16 year old is still a child. Further more when the suicide bombers are presented as heroes it suggests to the younger children that these are row models who should be looked up to….and that, is a scary thought.
I just think that through art in all its forms would be a much more effective means to end this conflict.
Mougly
Agreed, although we know that art isn't going to change anything. If it had any such effect, then Guernica would have stopped all future atrocities. Still, I am glad it is being made, if only to attract attention to matters.
i guess to be nominated among the best is already a winner..hope to see it soon:)
Chuck Norris??
There are only so many times (one time actually) I can read about a suicide bomber before it gets lame.
lest we forget who brought suicide bombings to the middle east to begin with.
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