Watch Amreeka

Amreeka is a powerful and poignant film that explores the immigrant experience in post-9/11 America. The movie follows the journey of Muna Farah, a Palestinian single mother of a teenaged son who leaves her home in the West Bank and moves to America to start a new life. The film opens with Muna working in a bank in the West Bank, where she must endure the daily humiliations and indignities of life under Israeli occupation. When she wins a Green Card in the lottery, Muna sees it as an opportunity to escape her difficult life and give her son, Fadi, a chance at a better future.

But life in America is not as easy as Muna had hoped. She and Fadi move in with her sister's family in Illinois, which is a far cry from the comfortable middle-class life they enjoyed in the West Bank. They struggle to adapt to their new environment, both culturally and economically. Muna takes a job at a fast food restaurant, while Fadi must deal with the bullying and racism of his classmates.

As they navigate their new lives in America, Muna and Fadi face a variety of challenges, from the language barrier to the difficulties of finding affordable housing. But they also find allies along the way, including a kind-hearted bank manager who helps Muna secure a loan to buy a home, and a sympathetic teacher who works with Fadi on his English and helps him make friends.

At its heart, Amreeka is a story about the resilience and determination of immigrants. Both Muna and Fadi must overcome numerous obstacles to build a new life in America, but they never lose sight of their dreams or their pride in their Palestinian heritage. Through their struggles, they demonstrate the strength and fortitude of immigrants everywhere.

The film is beautifully shot and expertly directed by writer and director Cherien Dabis. The cinematography captures the beauty of both Palestine and America, while also highlighting the stark contrasts between the two. The acting is superb, with standout performances by Nisreen Faour as Muna and Melkar Muallem as Fadi. Hiam Abbass also delivers a powerful performance as Muna's sister Raghda, who is dealing with her own challenges as an Arab woman in America.

One of the things that sets Amreeka apart from other films about the immigrant experience is its focus on the Palestinian perspective. The film offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Palestinians living under occupation, and the struggles they face on a daily basis. It also explores the ways in which Palestinian identity is shaped and transformed by the experience of immigration.

Overall, Amreeka is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that provides a window into the immigrant experience in America. It offers a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the challenges faced by immigrants, while celebrating the resilience and hope that enable them to persevere. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the immigrant experience, and a testament to the power of cinema to connect us to the lives and experiences of others.