I expected this film to give me a good look at the experiences of two potential suicide bombers, and at Palestine in general, and it certainly did. However, it's not exactly some kind of verité piece either. It's very beautifully shot and contains some rather affecting moments. While the directing is largely unobtrusive, it's not absent either. I did think that there were some aimless patches and that some of the motivation shifts weren't quite clear, which is unfortunate considering that this film is almost entirely about motivations. However, the film succeeds because the director takes a clear eye at a very difficult and disturbing issue, and doesn't choose to preach or condescend to the viewer. It's meaningful, but unlike, say, Hotel Rwanda, it doesn't just coast on its meaningfulness.
Review of Paradise Now
