Paradise Now (2005)
The Netherlands/Israel/Germany/France
Feature Film
Original Title: الجنّة الآن
Director: Hany Abu-Assad
Writers: Hany Abu-Assad, Bero Beyer
Cinematographer: Antoine Héberlé
Composer: Jina Sumedi
Cast: Kais Nashif, Ali Suliman, Lubna Azabal, Amer Hlehel, Hiam Abbass
Although its scope visuals may be a little slick, flashy even, for the subject at hand, this fascinating exploration of difficult subject matter – depicting the lives of two working-class Palestinian friends, who have been chosen to become martyrs, detailing (what is to be) their last night and day on Earth – manages, in an even handed manner, despite a few didactic moments, to be both respectful and unhistrionic. Iain.Stott
