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  • 2016
  • Not Rated
  • Adopt Films
  • 1 h 40 m
  • 2016
  • Not Rated
  • Adopt Films
  • 1 h 40 m

Summary Gaza. Synonymous to so many with conflict, destruction and despair but to Mohammed Assaf, and his sister Nour, Gaza is their home and their playground. It’s where they, along with their best friends Ahmad and Omar, play music, football and dare to dream big. Their band might play on second hand, beaten up instruments but their ambitions...

Directed By: Hany Abu-Assad

Written By: Hany Abu-Assad, Sameh Zoabi

  • 2016
  • Not Rated
  • Adopt Films
  • 1 h 40 m
  • 2016
  • Not Rated
  • Adopt Films
  • 1 h 40 m

The Idol

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 18 Critic Reviews
66
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 4 User Ratings
6.8
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Summary Gaza. Synonymous to so many with conflict, destruction and despair but to Mohammed Assaf, and his sister Nour, Gaza is their home and their playground. It’s where they, along with their best friends Ahmad and Omar, play music, football and dare to dream big. Their band might play on second hand, beaten up instruments but their ambitions...

Directed By: Hany Abu-Assad

Written By: Hany Abu-Assad, Sameh Zoabi

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 18 Critic Reviews
66
61% Positive
11 Reviews
39% Mixed
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 18 Critic Reviews
66
61% Positive
11 Reviews
39% Mixed
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Oct 18, 2016
The Idol, a feel-good film about a Palestinian boy’s improbable ascent to pop stardom, takes place mostly in Gaza, a place not associated with feeling good. But out of the war rubble emerges one of the most irresistible movies of the year.
By David Lewis FULL REVIEW
80
Mar 11, 2016
If in the past Abu-Assad’s movies could be criticised for stridency, The Idol finds him sacrificing none of his thematic drive while locating a more humanistic, inspirational tone.
By Tim Grierson FULL REVIEW
70
May 26, 2016
Mr. Abu-Assad’s pop filmmaking is resolutely simple in its approach and efficiently sentimental.
By Nicolas Rapold FULL REVIEW
63
Jun 2, 2016
Like its protagonist, The Idol finds a sense of identity, hope and pride within a landscape of grim dispossession and fatalism.
By Ann Hornaday FULL REVIEW
60
Aug 9, 2016
If you’re a fan of the classic streets-to-stardom formula, this is a solid rendition.
By Tom Huddleston FULL REVIEW
58
Jun 1, 2016
Just how seemingly uncomfortable the film feels in truly inhabiting the musical and inspirational biopic genres is tipped off by the often desolate images.
By Ethan Vestby FULL REVIEW
50
May 25, 2016
Often impeded by ham-fisted, inspirational dialogue, The Idol is not likely to earn Assaf more worldwide admirers, but for those who are already in his fan club, this film will be received like a bonus gift.
By Marjorie Baumgarten FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 4 User Ratings
6.8
75% Positive
3 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
25% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 4 User Ratings
6.8
75% Positive
3 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
25% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Cactus World Films, Fortress Film Clinic, Full Moon Productions, Idol Film Production, KeyFilm, Mezza Terra Media, September Film, The Imaginarium
Release Date May 27, 2016
Duration 1 h 40 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Website http://utagoe-shonen.com/
View All Details

Awards

Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Rotterdam International Film Festival
• 2 Nominations
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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