In my mind, this movie was well acted, but I just can't get over one major plot hole that for me turns this movie into a work of total make believe. Please read the other reviews for a recap of the story line. I understand Eyad borrows his friend Yonatan's identity so he can find a better job, and he does. Yonatan's mother discovers the "borrowed identity" and is okay with it.
So far, even I am okay with it. But, people do not live totally in a bubble, especially in Israeli society. Yonatan's mom must have some other relatives who are concerned about her son's health. And even if there is not one relative, Israeli neighbors can be quite close. Not one neighbor inquires about Yonatan? Not one other classmate cares to ask about Yonatan. According to this movie, the mom and Eyad (now Yonatan) conspire to get Yonatan buried as Eyad. Yes, of course, I should have seen this coming. This Jewish mom allows her son to be buried as Eyad. No family members or neighbors attend, because the burial is not in Israel, it is in Fantasyland.
I do want to say this movie does some good things. It looks at relationships and beliefs and family pressures both Jews and Arabs face. It shows Jews and Arabs do get along on certain levels. Some of the characters were a bit cartoonish for me, but others were done with compassion and thought. It is a difficult subject, but I simply cannot get past the permanent identity change and the burial scene.
So far, even I am okay with it. But, people do not live totally in a bubble, especially in Israeli society. Yonatan's mom must have some other relatives who are concerned about her son's health. And even if there is not one relative, Israeli neighbors can be quite close. Not one neighbor inquires about Yonatan? Not one other classmate cares to ask about Yonatan. According to this movie, the mom and Eyad (now Yonatan) conspire to get Yonatan buried as Eyad. Yes, of course, I should have seen this coming. This Jewish mom allows her son to be buried as Eyad. No family members or neighbors attend, because the burial is not in Israel, it is in Fantasyland.
I do want to say this movie does some good things. It looks at relationships and beliefs and family pressures both Jews and Arabs face. It shows Jews and Arabs do get along on certain levels. Some of the characters were a bit cartoonish for me, but others were done with compassion and thought. It is a difficult subject, but I simply cannot get past the permanent identity change and the burial scene.