Review: "Paradise Now" at Court Square Theater

Set in the West Bank, a part of the world where violence is familiar, "Paradise Now" is a film that explores the motivations of two friends who are recruited as suicide bombers. The film focuses on the lives of these men as they wrestle with what they have decided to do.

It is easy to see why the film was chosen as Best Foreign Film at this year's Golden Globe Awards and has been nominated in the same category at the Oscars. A film depicting the story of two suicide bombers had the potential to lean heavily towards one side or the other of the Palestine/Israel divide, but somehow-- the story is true to both the horror of what the two men, Saed and Khaled, are attempting and the despair that is motivating their decisions.

While it is impossible to truly understand what prompts violence of this kind, the film portrays the strangling influence that poverty has on the two men, making them feel that martyrdom is their only option.

It might seem biased that the film has, with few exceptions, only Palestinian characters, with Israelis playing a very minimal role. However, the film is not primarily about a struggle between nations. Instead, "Paradise Now" is a story that depicts the struggle of two very real men feeling trapped by the lives they were born into and, while unable to condone their actions, by the end of the film the viewer is able to at least understand them.

Though hopelessness can be found throughout the film, it is the possibility that people can change that makes this movie "a bold new call for peace." "Paradise Now" is a must-see for anyone interested in the current situation in Israel and Palestine, especially after the recent Palestinian elections.

For those interested in films like "Paradise Now", a great way to see them without traveling to D.C. or Charlottesville is to head to Harrisonburg's Court Square Theater. Located downtown, the theater hosts a variety of events, from children's theater to musical concerts. "Paradise Now" was shown two weekends ago as part of Court Square Theater's Independent and Foreign Film Series.

For only $5 per show or $20 for a season pass, this series is a great way to experience movies that are difficult to find on the big screen. Upcoming films include matinee showings this weekend of "March of the Penguins" and a Valentine's Day showing of the film "Sideways". On Feb. 23-26, the series will present "Ushpizin", an Israeli drama set amidst the world of Orthodox Judaism.

Court Square Theater manages to bring in films that both enlighten and entertain while keeping the atmosphere of an old-time movie house. Besides this, prices on both tickets and refreshments are very reasonable compared to most theaters. For more information about upcoming events, visit www.courtsquaretheater.com. Those interested in "Paradise Now" specifically will have to wait until the film is released on video on March 21; however, the film is definitely worth the extra weeks of wait.