Watch Omar

The 2013 Palestinian drama film, "Omar," directed by Hany Abu-Assad, tells the story of a Palestinian baker named Omar who must navigate between his love for a girl, Nadia, his loyalty to his childhood friends, and his desire for freedom. Set in the West Bank, the film portrays the political struggle faced by Palestinians and the oppressive nature of the Israeli occupation.

The film opens with Omar and his friends, Tarek and Amjad, crossing the border fence to shoot one of the Israeli soldiers patrolling the area. After committing the act, Omar is pursued by the Israeli authorities and must make a decision between betraying his friends or facing a lengthy prison sentence. The film follows his attempts to rekindle his relationship with Nadia while avoiding the Israeli authorities and dealing with the emotional turmoil of being hunted.

Adam Bakri stars as Omar, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance that captures the character's emotional turmoil and conflicting loyalties. He is supported by the rest of the cast, including Leem Lubany as Nadia, Omar's love interest, and Eyad Hourani as Tarek, Omar's best friend.

Abu-Assad's direction captures the gritty reality of life in the West Bank, emphasizing the violence, poverty, and paranoia that are daily realities for Palestinians. The film was shot on location in the West Bank, providing an authenticity that could not have been achieved in a studio. The cinematography is exceptional, with sweeping panoramic shots of the landscape, creating a sense of the overwhelming power of the Israeli occupation.

One of the film's key themes is the psychological impact of the occupation on the Palestinian population. The film explores the ways in which the constant threat of violence, the restriction of movement, and the lack of basic freedoms affects the mental health of Palestinians. Omar struggles with feelings of guilt, betrayal, and anxiety throughout the film, reflecting the psychological toll of living under occupation.

Despite its themes of oppression and violence, the film also portrays the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people. Omar and his friends are shown to have a strong sense of community and family, providing support for each other in the face of adversity. The portrayal of Nadia is also a refreshing take on women in Arab cinema, as she demonstrates her strength and courage while facing her own challenges in the occupation.

The use of music in the film is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of traditional Arabic music, rap, and other contemporary forms of music that highlight the film's themes of resistance and hope. The soundtrack provides a powerful and emotional backdrop to the action on screen.

Overall, "Omar" is a powerful and engaging film that manages to combine political commentary with a compelling human story. It highlights the challenges faced by Palestinians under occupation and the difficult choices they must make to survive. The exceptional performances, direction, and cinematography make this film a must-see for anyone interested in cinema that reflects the gritty reality of life in the Middle East.

Omar is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 75.