Of course I don't much agree with much of the politics stated/implied (but then, I'm Israeli, I wouldn't would I?). But the movie is good. Simple, taut thriller. Well acted. Looks good. And it is (or seemed to me) like a straightforward, honest portrayal of these characters. No big speeches, no false pathos, no shoving allegories where they do not fit (sorry, I'm thinking about Munich). Ummm. Yeah, so, a good film. To David F: Get off the high horse. If you have something to say, can you at least spare us the flowery speech? And as for what you say... if you spent 15 minutes with anyone who knew even a little about the situation, but came at it from the Israeli perspective, I think you'd zip it, quick, and consider that maybe, just maybe, you are at least a little shallow, ignorant, and empty (but note I did not say stupid, cos you're probably not), like the critics you turn your nose up to. To Tracy R: That scene in Tel Aviv was really nice. But it doesn't say everything that needs to be said. There's nothing anymore about the situation that can be related simply by images. Only words can do it. Lots and lots of words. But not the flowery kind, I hope.. ;)… Expand

The film critic who says this film was not very illuminating leaves me stunned in wordlessness. Depicting real people living under the most unreal circumstances where sane logic is stood on its head. I left the theatre feeling that The vast masses of humanity who have left the Palestinians to suffer in their isolation, had in a former time left the Jews of Nazi-controlled Europe bereft of hope. We, the silent people of the rest of the world, have a share of the responsibility for the crimes committed in the Middle East.… Expand

Excellent movie. Needs to be seen by all people.

Two years ago the Israel Film Foundation refused funding for Paradise Now. Here's why Two years ago, the creators of Paradise Now asked the Israel Film Foundation for public funding to help produce the film. They were turned down thanks to a number of reviewers

fantastic expose of life under the zionist rule of israel

This definetly has Best foriegn film all over it . A beautifully directed and made film.

This movie reveals both sides of the conflict in the middle east. Those who find this movie appalling are just people who can't face both sides of the truth.

Startling and moving. It made me laugh. It made me consider what its like to live a life where you never feel free. It also made me find out more about the occupied territory. as a film, its well played, suspenseful, brilliantly paced, beautifully shot - the repeated image of the two guys smoking was very cool - highly recommended.

Aside from good directing this film provides an interesting perspective that needs to be seen. Without going into too much detail it covers both sides of the conflict just enough for the viewers to make their own conclusions. It will make you talk about it after it's done. Highly recommended.

Compelling and interesting film that presents the filmmaker's point of view of the motivations of Palestinian Suicide Bombers. Consider though, how we would've felt about the film if Said had blown up a crowd of Israeli teenagers at a disco, which is often the case. The filmmaker deliberately chose a bus full of soldiers which in subtle way makes his attack more defensible.

Uneven in spots, but never uninteresting. The humane tone and bits of humor really emphasize the horror of the overall topic and the final trip to Tel Aviv is beautifully done and says everything that needs to be said without too many words. Worth watching.

A harrowing look at how two young palestinians, made heartrendingly human by director and actors, find themselves propelled toward becoming terrorists. Does not provide solutions to the perplexing horrors of terrorism, but certainly delineates many of the problems which lead to its adoption. A riveting, anguish-laden film.

i thought the movie will turn out to be like any average American film concerned with a sensitive human case especially with the hero's father being an informer but then things worked out differently it says what should be said about the Palestinian cause , deeply touching , sometimes breath_taking never predictable , made with great talent .with a little pit more money it would have been a classic!… Collapse

This movie provides a glimpse into life on the West Bank (I was particularly amused/fascinated by the obsession with water filters!!--but that must be an important part of daily living there). Anyway, while I empathize with the sense of hopelessness that these men must feel, their "solution" is flawed...and that --despite the filmmaker's (likely) sympathy to their cause--is actually reinforced by this film. Again--this is a look into a life that most reviewing this film do not know, including me. It was done well, and I appreciated it for that reason.… Expand

Paradise Now is a great movie on artistic and political levels. Artistically: A-rated acting, plot devices, cinematography, script, etc. Politically, the movie has a clear moral opposition to the killing of civilians, but thankfully avoids the "terrorists are cowards" superficial approach. He acknowledges the complex oppresion endured by Palestinians. Somehow, he is able to damn the murderious act while simulanteously bowing to its existential inevitability.… Expand

No violence, yet the violence for decades upon the the people and the land of Palestine is ever-present. The film has no incidental music only the soundtrack of a people horrified by what the world allows to happen to them; thus, no paradise without music. The music has died in Palestine; the US, via the UN and Israel, killed it. The rating : PG-13 "mature thematic material and brief strong language" is absurd. Everyone has to see this expulsion of indigenous people off their land, out of their homes, and into the living death of refugee camps as the holocaust of our time. School age children have to see this film to begin to understand. Paradise Now has meaning about love, heart, and violence much deeper than most people can or will see. Most of the reviews from the usual critics reek with shallow stupidity, ignorance, and emptiness. The 1000 words that have flowed from my hand, head, and heart are forthcoming herein when I return to my home base. Conclusion: suicide bombing got the attention of the world and it worked in 1958 to help Algerians evict the murauding French from Algeria.… Expand