Film guide 2005
Paradise Now
Two friends confront a planned act of violence and the beliefs that brought them towards it.
- Original title
- Paradise Now
- Director
- Hany Abu-Assad
- Year
- 2005
Editorial profile. Availability on LAREINE TV has not been confirmed.
Story, without spoilers
Said and Khaled, Palestinian friends since childhood, are recruited for a suicide attack in Tel Aviv. When their departure fails to follow the plan, they have time to reconsider their convictions. Their encounters, including with Suha, bring personal loyalties and arguments against violence into the story.
Context & recognition
Hany Abu-Assad sets a concentrated character drama within the realities of occupation. The production used locations in Palestine and Israel, and the film screened in competition at the 2005 Berlin International Film Festival.
Main characters & cast
Said
Kais Nashif
One of the two friends recruited for the attack.
Khaled
Ali Suliman
Said's longtime friend, facing the same planned mission.
Suha
Lubna Azabal
A young woman who challenges the logic of violence.