MOVIE REVIEW
Alam
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2022, 2024 
Runtime: 1h 49m
Director(s): Firas Khoury
Writer(s): Firas Khoury
Cast: Mahmood Bakri, Sereen Khass, Mohammad Karaki, Muhammad Abed Elrahman, Saleh Bakri, Amer Hlehel, Jaboor Kawn
Language: Arabic, Hebrew with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premieres on VOD & digital on April 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: This film offers a look into a time before current events, and the film captivates viewers with its portrayal of the struggles and awakenings of Palestinian youth under Israeli occupation. In his first major outing as a director, Firas Khoury crafts a narrative as rich in personal drama as it is in political discourse. Through the eyes of Tamer, brought to life by Mahmoud Bakri, we dive into a world where everyday school life is punctuated by actions of defiance and desires for normalcy that seem just out of reach. Just typing that sentence makes my heart ache. Seeing this world and the struggles those who lived in it faced before and knowing that they’ve only been amplified breaks me down in a way I wasn’t expecting.

The plot of ALAM takes an unexpected turn with the entrance of Maysaá (Sereen Khass,) a character whose poise and political passion pull Tamer deeper into the realm of activism. Together with his friend Safwat (Muhammad Abed Elrahman), they plan to fly the Palestinian flag over their school during the Nakba remembrance (a day of commemoration for the Nakba, also known as the Palestinian Catastrophe, which comprised the destruction of Palestinian society and homeland in 1948, and the permanent displacement of a majority of the Palestinian people) challenging the authority that overshadows their lives. This bold act is not just about the flag's symbol but about what it represents: a refusal to forget their history and a scream for recognition.

Khoury’s directorial vision is evident as he navigates through intense personal stories set against a backdrop fraught with political tension. The screenplay he wrote deftly intertwines the protagonists' struggles with the overarching theme of national identity, creating a gripping push-and-pull between the characters’ youthful desires and harsh realities. This tension is the film’s driving force, delivering a story that resonates universally.

Visually, ALAM is stunning, with the director's unique vision pulling viewers into the young cast's emotional roller coaster. At the same time, the soundtrack—a vibrant mix of Palestinian and Egyptian rap—sets a defiant, resilient tone that underscores the film’s themes.

The performances of Bakri and Sereen Khass are particularly compelling. They bring depth to their characters and embody the internal and external conflicts that fuel the film. Their authentic portrayals help bridge the gap between a specific geographical conflict and the universal challenges of growing up.

One of the film's standout aspects is its exploration of generational conflict, which is depicted with subtlety and depth. ALAM portrays a youth unwilling to settle for the compromised peace their parents may accept, illustrating a broader societal battle within their homes and community walls.

The climax of ALAM is both stirring and thought-provoking, as it centers around a crucial dialogue between Tamer and Safwat discussing the multifaceted symbolism of the flag-raising act. This conversation encapsulates the dual nature of symbols as tools of liberation and as sparks of contention.

ALAM is a profound narrative that offers fresh insights into Palestinian life through the vibrant lens of its youth. It challenges viewers to consider the complexities of identity, resistance, and the unyielding spirit of young people in the face of ongoing conflict. Khoury’s debut contributes to the cinematic world and is an essential cultural conversation starter about identity and resilience in the face of adversity.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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