Watch For My Father

For My Father is a poignant film released in 2008, directed by Dror Zahavi. The film stars Shredi Jabarin, Hili Yalon, and Shlomo Vishinsky, and tells the story of a young Palestinian man named Tarek (Jabarin) who is sent on a suicide mission to Israel, only to have his plans disrupted when he meets a young Israeli woman named Keren (Yalon).

Tarek is a wanted man in the eyes of the Israeli authorities, but he is determined to carry out his mission to avenge the death of his father at the hands of Israeli soldiers during the First Intifada. Tarek is given the task of driving a truck filled with explosives into a crowded area in Tel Aviv, but along the way he meets Keren, who is unaware of his intentions.

Keren is a free-spirited young woman who is traveling across the country with her father (Vishinsky), who is suffering from a terminal illness. When their car breaks down, Tarek stops to help them, and the trio end up sharing a meal together. Over the course of the evening, Tarek begins to see Keren and her father as individuals, rather than Israelis who are his enemy.

Despite the language barrier, Tarek and Keren form a strong connection, and he begins to question his beliefs and the mission he has been sent on. As Tarek spends more time with Keren and her father, he starts to see that the enemy he has been taught to hate is not as one-dimensional as he thought.

The film deals with complex issues of politics, religion and terrorism, but ultimately boils down to a story of human connection and empathy. As Tarek comes to understand Keren and her father, he realizes that his own experiences – the loss of his father, the oppression of his people – are not unique. Keren, too, is dealing with personal struggles and sadness, despite the apparent freedom she enjoys as an Israeli citizen.

For My Father is a powerful film that captures the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while also emphasizing the shared humanity of both sides. The performances of the leads, Jabarin and Yalon, are particularly noteworthy, managing to convey deep emotion and subtle nuance despite the language barrier between the characters and audiences unfamiliar with the culture. The film is shot beautifully, with stunning vistas of the Israeli landscape and intimate, understated moments between the characters.

Ultimately, For My Father is a film that encourages empathy and understanding between different peoples, and offers a glimmer of hope that connections can be made even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable differences. It is a film that is both timely and timeless, dealing with issues that are as relevant today as they were in 2008, and will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.