NYFF AT 51 REVIEW: "OMAR"
BY LIZ WHITTEMORE
Director Hany Abu-Assad’s latest project, OMAR, is the story of a young man torn between love and loyalty. Omar, Tarek, and Amjad are three childhood friends who live in Palestine. They are also freedom fighters. Omar must climb The Separation Wall each day in order to see his friends and Tarek’s younger sister, Nadia, which whom he is in love with. After the death of an Israeli soldier, Omar is captured as he ascends the Wall. Tortured and imprisoned he is coerced to turn over the shooter in exchange for his freedom. Omar tries to sift through the lies being told by the soldiers and the lies being told by a traitor in his brigade, all while reassuring Nadia that he will come for her as soon as possible. Omar struggles to trust anyone around him. Any decision he makes will destroy someone’s life that he cares for. He is trapped by emotions and by his surroundings.
Hany Abu-Assad, best known for Paradise Now, explains that the film is based on a true story of someone close to him. He speaks to the trials of the existence of The Wall in general. Intended as a border between Israel and the West Bank, it truly succeeds in dividing towns and families. People risk being shot for climbing the wall, but it becomes a necessity in work, family, and love. The title character is brilliantly played by Adam Bakri. His vulnerability is palpable. This is Adam’s very first film role, though you would never know. He is definitely someone to watch out for. Waleed F. Zuaiter plays Agent Rami. He is masterful in his manipulation of Omar. Each beat is rife with tension yet sincerity. He is a puppeteer throughout, playing on the emotions of Omar, befriending him and pushing his buttons all at the same time. His performance is effortless. This film speaks to our fears of trust. We’re never quite sure if trusting too much is a gift or a burden in life.
VERDICT: Must See
Written and Directed by: Hany Abu-Assad Starring: Adam Bakri, Leem Lubany, Waleed F. Zuaiter, Samer Bisharat and Eyad Hourani Country: Palestine Language: Arabic/Hebrew Content Advisory: Nudity and Graphic Violence
BOTTOM LINE: Omar is a story of both loyalty and betrayal. The action sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. See this movie before it makes its run at the Oscars.