Paradise Now (al-Janna) (2005)

Crime, Drama, Thriller, War

Director: Hany Abu-Assad
Writers: Hany Abu-Assad, Bero Beyer, Pierre Hodgson
Starring: Lubna Azabal, Hamza Abu-Aiaash, Kais Nashif, Lutuf Nouasser

"From the most unexpected place, comes a bold new call for peace."

Two youths from the Gaza strip are just 48 hours away from becoming the latest suicide bombers. Two young Palestinian men, Khaled and Said, are both recruited to carry out a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. The two men are allowed to spend what is presumably their last night alive with their families. However, since absolute secrecy must be maintained and they can tell nobody of their mission, theirs can be no proper farewell. The next morning, the men are brought to the border. The bombs have been attached to their bodies in such a way as to make them completely hidden from view. However, the operation does not go according to plan and the two friends lose sight of each other. Separated from each other and left to their own devices, it's up to them to face their destiny and stand up for their convictions.

Plot summary from IMDb: In Nablas on the West Bank, Said and Khaled, who have volunteered to be suicide bombers, receive word it will be tomorrow - the cell's first operation in two years. They're shaven and shorn, in black suits to pose as settlers in Tel Aviv for a wedding. Something goes wrong at the crossing, they're separated, and the action is postponed, long enough for renewed questioning of what they're about to do. Suha, the well-educated and well-traveled daughter of a martyr, challenges the action. She likes Said and has her own ideas. "Under the occupation, we're already dead," is Khaled's analysis. Fate and God's will seem to drive Said. We must be moral, argues Suha. Can minds change?

Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 13 wins & 15 nominations.
Runtime: 90 min
PG-13