In trying to keep this review right to the point, I must say that there are few movies that keep one thinking and wondering. Just who *are* these actors in this film? Is the story line about life in such an area similar (or, as tragic and seemingly hopeless)? How in the world did the film get written so tightly?
The acting was impeccable. For the life of me, I cannot understand one word of the languages used in the film, so I had to rely on tone, emotion, body language and projection. I felt that everyone in front of the camera has lived through pain and heartache in their own lives, the way they could embrace the emotions that they carried so well, both the young and older performers. Ajami is an emotional roller coaster for certain; from the very first scene, it's bound to startle. It's a deeply charged film that speaks so much about life and death, living amongst all the suffering, all with so much prayer and religious belief intertwined (no, this film does not pound the viewer with religion) ... which helps confound the viewer by asking where the heart of the problem is in that region, in the first place?
A great piece of filmmaking compels the viewer to dig deeper and find back stories and trivia. Ajami is such a film because I put my trust in the protagonists to believe their characters. They did not lose my belief from some unbelievable twist in plot or outcome.
If you can handle the emotionally tragic story, please seek out Ajami. If you're not sure, strengthen your inner soul some day to watch this film. Absolutely top notch, even with the difficult plot jumping that sometimes happens. If you feel puzzled, the film will not let you down ~ you'll learn all you need in time to drop your jaw clear to the couch by the time the credits roll.
Ajami is Amazing.
The acting was impeccable. For the life of me, I cannot understand one word of the languages used in the film, so I had to rely on tone, emotion, body language and projection. I felt that everyone in front of the camera has lived through pain and heartache in their own lives, the way they could embrace the emotions that they carried so well, both the young and older performers. Ajami is an emotional roller coaster for certain; from the very first scene, it's bound to startle. It's a deeply charged film that speaks so much about life and death, living amongst all the suffering, all with so much prayer and religious belief intertwined (no, this film does not pound the viewer with religion) ... which helps confound the viewer by asking where the heart of the problem is in that region, in the first place?
A great piece of filmmaking compels the viewer to dig deeper and find back stories and trivia. Ajami is such a film because I put my trust in the protagonists to believe their characters. They did not lose my belief from some unbelievable twist in plot or outcome.
If you can handle the emotionally tragic story, please seek out Ajami. If you're not sure, strengthen your inner soul some day to watch this film. Absolutely top notch, even with the difficult plot jumping that sometimes happens. If you feel puzzled, the film will not let you down ~ you'll learn all you need in time to drop your jaw clear to the couch by the time the credits roll.
Ajami is Amazing.