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      Paradise Now

      PG-13 Released Oct 28, 2005 1h 30m Drama List
      89% 104 Reviews Tomatometer 87% 25,000+ Ratings Audience Score Khaled (Ali Suliman) and Said (Kais Nashif) are Palestinian friends recruited by a terrorist group to become suicide bombers in Tel Aviv. Armed with explosives, they attempt to cross into Israel, but are pursued by suspicious border guards. Khaled returns to the terrorists, while Said sneaks into Israel and ponders detonating at another target. After Khaled and Said reunite to begin their mission again, Khaled has reconsidered, and tries to convince Said to give up the bombing as well. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Aug 15 Buy Now

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      Critics Consensus

      This film delves deeply into the minds of suicide bombers, and the result is unsettling.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Gareth v A powerful and shocking movie that tells the story of 2 would be suicide bombers. Must see. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/20/23 Full Review dave s Paradise Now effectively puts a face to terrorism and gives a true feel for the plight of the Palestinians. The film documents two men, childhood friends, who have agreed to have explosives strapped to their bodies in order to take a stand against Israeli aggression. Following their activities over the 24-hour period before they detonate their devices, it is a disturbing examination of what motivates such radical actions, justifiable or not. It's the film's objectivity that makes it so effective – there is no pulsing music score, no Hollywood farewell scenes, no significant subplots to detract from its point. It is frightening in a cold and analytical manner, an observation about those seeking martyrdom that doesn't feel as though it's passing judgement. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review William L Paradise Now may err on the side of simplicity, but it's worthy of a watch for its sincere depiction of the Palestinian point of view in the Israeli conflict and a surprisingly humane and measured portrait of the rationale behind suicide bombers that sidesteps glorification and propaganda. We see figures that are motivated by a combination of factors, including religious dogma and social pressure, but particularly personal experience built on injustices; think less about caricatures and comments on heathen devils who worship God in the wrong way, but more about how two people cannot occupy the same space. There is a sincere debate over base revenge vs. slow-burning moral 'combat', but what is particularly compelling is director Hany Abu-Assad's willingness to poke the edges of dark comedy; Said and Khaled, referred to as honored individuals for having been selected for the (gruesome) task at hand, being beset by technical difficulties while recording martyr speeches and watching their handlers casually eat behind the camera during their supposedly impactful delivery adds a satirical edge that adds to the overall film. Historically important for the recognition of Palestine on the global cinematic stage. (3.5/5) Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/01/22 Full Review david l Paradise Now is a psychological drama that humanizes suicide bombers as it gives us a glimpse inside their mind before they would embark on their atrocious mission. It's a picture that is not a propaganda piece, but quite the opposite – the director, Hany Abu-Assad, smartly raises questions and provokes conversation instead of giving his own view on the matter. The dangerous role of religion in this issue is especially well portrayed here. It's just a phenomenal, highly sophisticated film that for some reason (political?) lost an Oscar that year to a much inferior movie. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member a well acted, well plotted unpredictable original thriller. Controversial and thought provoking without being too political or social. Just the right balance. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member I think that this movie is so overrated. I just can't understand the point of this... The acting is good, some scenes are quite funny.... But the plot? It is sooo slow, there is nothing that really changes the situation... There isn't a real relationship between the characters...This movie just doesn't tell nothing. After 40 minutes I was tired to see both characters bored together... Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Reviews

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      Namrata Joshi The New Indian Express A film that engages with the very core of the complicated conflict without offering easy explanations or random solutions. Oct 26, 2023 Full Review Nigel Andrews Financial Times With inspired judgment and skill, the film embeds its debating points in the trajectory of the story, or humanises them with everyday emotions. Oct 7, 2018 Full Review Victoria Segal New Statesman ... it has the great advantage of letting an audience feel it is seeing things it would otherwise never see. Sep 26, 2017 Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter A timely piece about an excruciating moral dilemma. May 9, 2020 Full Review Mattie Lucas The Dispatch (Lexington, NC) So distinctive in mood, tone and perspective that it demands to be noticed. Rated: 3/4 Jun 5, 2019 Full Review Hannah Brown Jerusalem Post If you actually see it, you'll find this look inside the minds of two terrorists both fascinating and frightening. Mar 2, 2016 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Khaled (Ali Suliman) and Said (Kais Nashif) are Palestinian friends recruited by a terrorist group to become suicide bombers in Tel Aviv. Armed with explosives, they attempt to cross into Israel, but are pursued by suspicious border guards. Khaled returns to the terrorists, while Said sneaks into Israel and ponders detonating at another target. After Khaled and Said reunite to begin their mission again, Khaled has reconsidered, and tries to convince Said to give up the bombing as well.
      Director
      Hany Abu-Assad
      Screenwriter
      Hany Abu-Assad, Bero Beyer
      Distributor
      Warner Independent
      Production Co
      Augustus Film, Razor Film Produktion GmbH
      Rating
      PG-13 (Mature Thematic Material|Brief Strong Language)
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      Arabic
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Oct 28, 2005, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jan 9, 2009
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $1.5M
      Runtime
      1h 30m
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