My Opinion of "Paradise Now"

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   Assalamu Alaikum:
I watched the movie "Paradise Now" over the weekend and I would like to ask if anyone else on the forum has seen it.
Because of all of the controversy surrounding it, I didn't know what to expect, but I have to say I was surprised. The film was quite disturbing. There were no bloody scenes of bombings or anything of that nature. It just shows two days in the life of two Palestinians chosen for a suicide bombing mission. There are Palestinians who voice both sides of the issue, pro and con. The religious aspect is not focused on very much, it is more of a political statement. 
The most devastating part of the film for me was the contrast between how the Palestinians live in virtual ruins in Nablus, and how the Jews live in Israel which is a typical modern country and quite beautiful. How can anyone look at this film without seeing the utter hopelessness that surrounds the very existence of the Palestinians. I think this was perhaps why the Israelis lobbied so hard against this film, not so much for what it says as for what you witness with your own eyes, and how it leaves you feeling.

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Mishmish Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 01 November 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1694	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mishmish Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: My Opinion of "Paradise Now" Posted: 27 March 2006 at 6:31pm
	Assalamu Alaikum: I watched the movie "Paradise Now" over the weekend and I would like to ask if anyone else on the forum has seen it. Because of all of the controversy surrounding it, I didn't know what to expect, but I have to say I was surprised. The film was quite disturbing. There were no bloody scenes of bombings or anything of that nature. It just shows two days in the life of two Palestinians chosen for a suicide bombing mission. There are Palestinians who voice both sides of the issue, pro and con. The religious aspect is not focused on very much, it is more of a political statement. The most devastating part of the film for me was the contrast between how the Palestinians live in virtual ruins in Nablus, and how the Jews live in Israel which is a typical modern country and quite beautiful. How can anyone look at this film without seeing the utter hopelessness that surrounds the very existence of the Palestinians. I think this was perhaps why the Israelis lobbied so hard against this film, not so much for what it says as for what you witness with your own eyes, and how it leaves you feeling.
	It is only with the heart that one can see clearly, what is essential is invisible to the eye. (The Little Prince)

herjihad Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 26 January 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2473	Post Options Post Reply Quote herjihad Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 March 2006 at 8:41pm
	*Bismillah,* *No; it hasn't been available in our area that I know of.* *Did you see the poverty report on Israeli Jews? One in five are reported to live in poverty with food coming from soup kitchens, very little healthcare, no heat in winter, no air in summer.* *My son said that they were reporting it in a way as if to blame the Phalasteeneeyeen saying that the money was being spent on the war effort instead of the poor.*
	Al-Hamdulillah (From a Married Muslimah) La Howla Wa La Quwata Illa BiLLah - There is no Effort or Power except with Allah's Will.

Mishmish Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 01 November 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1694	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mishmish Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 March 2006 at 8:53pm
	Assalamu Alaikum: The per capita income in Israel is approximately $23,000 U.S. The per capita income for Palestinians is approximately $1000 U.S. Given that they live in the same area and probably pay the same prices, well, need I say more? At least the Israelis have soup kitchens to go to. Since most of the Muslim charities have been closed, and Palestinians unable to get very little aid, they don't really even have that option. P.S. The movie is on DVD now... Edited by Mishmish
	It is only with the heart that one can see clearly, what is essential is invisible to the eye. (The Little Prince)

ak_m_f Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 October 2005 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 3272	Post Options Post Reply Quote ak_m_f Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 March 2006 at 9:01pm
	I watched it like month ago. It was the first movie I watched about this conflict. I saw the trailer in the Canada and all I wanted was to see this movie. Back home I had to search for a cinema that actually showed it (but in the end I got it of the net). It was different to see the Palestinian side of the story, because in the news it's usually the Israeli side in the centre of attention. Thanks to "Paradise Now" I started thinking about the conflict and I allowed myself to look at it from the Palestinian point of view for a moment. Perhaps there is no right or wrong. It takes two after all and probably both sides made mistakes. also I noticed that, ppl in pals were poor, driving 20 year old cars, with cab driver no $$$ to repair the window. They have almost no entertainment and lack basic facilities, on the other side of the fence Isrealis driving in new cars and clean roads. The diffrence is of few Km's, but its so huge. Edited by ak_m_f

Pure Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Starter Joined: 26 November 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pure Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 May 2008 at 11:27am
	It can be watched here: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article12978.htm I personally thought it was alright. Wasn't too happy about it overall, but it just gives a different perspective of it. That's all. wassalaamu alaikum.