A powerful and shocking movie that tells the story of 2 would be suicide bombers. Must see.

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.

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)

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...

You harvest what you plant. It shows one of many realities originated by the military ocupation of palestinian territories.

Paradise Now is a 2005 film directed by Hany Abu-Assad. An insight into the life and plight of the people from this area. AANF GGWF 1001

This movie was my introduction to Hany Abu Assad's work. It's an excellent take and perspective on the ongoing conflict in Palestine and the lives it effects on a daily basis.

A very good drama/thriller from Palestine that won the Golden Globe in 2005. An engaging story with superb acting by the leads. The middle east conflict through the eyes of the Palestinians.

A powerful and grim portrayal of life in Gaza. Stunning cinematography and great tension throughout.

Watching Paradise Now, one definitely gets a sense of stuckness and frustration the Palestinians feel without condoning violence; the film engenders compassion but not sympathy. Note that this balance is achieved without portrayal of the Israeli side. While not a great film, Paradise Now is performed well and helps the average viewer understand a bit better why that area of the world wrestles with such difficult problems.

A vivid portrayal of the lives of disillusioned Jihadists, from the Palestinian angle.

Whether you agree with the political narrative presented or not, the movie is captivating and offers food for thought from a little-known perspective.

Me gustó mucho! muestra crudamente la realidad de un pueblo oprimido por años que lucha por la dignidad.

What would you do if your country was being crushed by 70 years of increasingly brutal occupation?

The attempt in displaying what it passes for the head of a Palestinian terrorist, without transforms it into a monster and fanatic it is more than what praiseworthy, after all, although the apparent abnormality, the men bombs, that are sacrificed in attempted against, do not pass of common people, that until carrying out scenes that they shock the world, incognitos pass, living normally. "Paradise Now", film of the director Hany Abu-Assad, follows this concept and tries to demystify the Palestinian terrorism, following the trajectory of two young, the few hours of will become man-bomb. Its intention is clear and direct: a boarding human being, of an extremely delicate subject. For this, it mere looks for to follow with its camera the dialogs, questionings and (little) the action properly said, keeping the politics, good far from its focus. The good intention, that functions at the beginning, goes becoming tiring when uncurling of the film. For that does not have that to take left, or same to show the consequences of an act of absolute violence, the director opts to locking up its work before the hour and is contented in showing only part of a history that could be much more interesting if boarded of complete form. Successful in demonstrating as extreme attitudes they can blossom inside of an environment contaminated, and efficient in humanizer its two protagonists, through the benefit of the doubt, "Paradise Now" lose the force of this initial honesty, when she deprives to observe until the end the way trod for these two personages, constructed so well.

somewhat good, but still confused at some parts.

What a beautiful movie. The best foreign language movie I've seen since "Life is Beautiful". This is highly controversial but incredibly effective in its efforts to discuss the issues between Israel and Palestine. It also gives us an insight on suicide bombing in such a unique perspective, which nobody would have ever given the time of day after 9/11. Everything is almost perfect.

9/12/14 Vudu A really well done movie that shows the despair and frustration than can lead to suicide bombers. As the story unfolds you hope the guys change their minds and the ending leaves you to wonder. This does not glorify or justify suicide bombers but it does put a human face on it and you see that families, friends and others can make choices hard.

Palestine. Powerful film. moments of both despair and hope.

In the end it was a bit underwhelming for me but certainly an insightful film.