Watch Pomegranates and Myrrh

Pomegranates and Myrrh is a 2008 Palestinian drama film directed by Najwa Najjar, which explores the complexities of love and marriage in a society undergoing profound change. The movie chronicles the life of a young newlywed named Kamar (Yasmine Elmasri), who struggles to reconcile her traditional Palestinian heritage with her desire for personal independence, and her relationship with her husband Zaid (Ashraf Farah), a successful dancer.

The film opens with Kamar and Zaid celebrating their wedding with a traditional Palestinian dance. Soon after their wedding, Zaid moves to Ramallah to take a job at a local dance troupe, leaving Kamar behind in their small town. The separation puts a strain on their relationship, and Kamar feels increasingly isolated and frustrated as she struggles to adapt to her new life in the city.

As Kamar tries to navigate the cultural and social differences between her own conservative background and the more liberal attitudes of her new neighbors, she finds herself drawn to an old flame named Amer (Ali Suliman). Amer is a carpenter who shares Kamar's passion for traditional Palestinian music and dance, and he invites her to sing with his band.

Kamar's growing attraction to Amer puts her marriage to Zaid at risk, and she must choose between the man she loves and the life she has built with her husband. Complicating matters further is the political turmoil that surrounds them, as their community is threatened by the Israeli occupation and the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

Throughout the film, director Najwa Najjar uses rich, sensual imagery to convey the emotional complexity of her characters' experiences. The title of the movie refers to the pomegranates and myrrh that Kamar's mother-in-law gives her as wedding gifts, symbolizing the sweetness and bitterness of marriage.

The acting in Pomegranates and Myrrh is superb, particularly by Ashraf Farah as Zaid, who conveys a range of emotions with subtle nuance. Hiam Abbass also provides a strong performance as Kamar's wise and loving mother-in-law, who serves as a voice of reason and stability amid the chaos of the world around them.

Overall, Pomegranates and Myrrh is a powerful and compelling film that explores the challenges of love, marriage, and cultural identity in a complex and changing society. With its richly drawn characters, lush cinematography, and poignant storytelling, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the art of cinema and the human experience.