Watch The Present

The Present is a powerful and emotional film released in 2020, starring Saleh Bakri, Maryam Kanj, and Mariam Basha. The movie weaves an intricate story of a Palestinian man and his daughter trying to buy their wife and mother a present for their wedding anniversary. The family lives in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and the story follows them as they navigate through the checkpoints and the complexities of the social and political circumstances surrounding them.

The movie opens with a scene in which Yusef, the father, and his daughter, Yasmine, are crossing a busy checkpoint to buy a present for their wife and mother, Noor, for their 12th wedding anniversary. The checkpoint is crowded and chaotic, and the soldiers manning it scrutinize the family's ID cards and bags, causing Yusef and Yasmine to feel exposed and vulnerable.

The rest of the movie is a poignant and heartbreaking portrayal of the family's daily struggles in the occupied territories. The Present shows how Yusef and Noor try to maintain a sense of normalcy while living in a place where their movements and freedoms are restricted. They encounter a variety of obstacles, from aggressive settlers to Israeli soldiers, as they go about their daily lives.

Throughout the movie, Bakri delivers a masterful performance as Yusef, portraying a man full of dignity, pride, and resilience. His character is determined to get his wife the present she deserves, but at every turn, he faces a different challenge. Yusef's daughter, Yasmine, also shines in her role, embodying the innocence and hope of a young child caught up in the tumultuous reality of war and occupation.

The Present is a raw and honest portrayal of the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity. It shines a light on the daily hardships and indignities that Palestinians face, from the constant threat of violence to the humiliation of checkpoints and border crossings.

Despite the film's heavy subject matter, it also contains moments of tenderness, humor, and even joy. The scene in which Yusef and Noor dance to a song from their wedding day is particularly touching, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is still love and hope to be found.

The cinematography in The Present is stunning, capturing both the beauty and the devastation of the West Bank landscape. The film's director, Farah Nabulsi, uses long takes and close-ups to create an intimate and immersive experience for the viewer, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of the characters.

By the end of the movie, it's clear that The Present is more than just a story of a family's struggle to buy a gift. It's a powerful and timely reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and the toll it takes on the lives of ordinary people. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the human side of the conflict and understanding the complexities and nuances of life in the occupied territories.

In conclusion, The Present is a powerful and emotional film that expertly portrays the daily struggles and hardships faced by Palestinians living in the West Bank. With powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and an honest and raw portrayal of life under occupation, it's a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the human side of the conflict.

The Present is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.