Watch Under the Same Sun

Under the Same Sun is a powerful and gripping drama from 2013, directed by Sameh Zoabi and starring Ali Suliman, Dirar Suleiman, and Mahmud Abu-Jazi. The film takes place in two neighboring Palestinian villages that have been separated by a wall built by the Israeli government. The wall has cut off the villagers from one another, making it difficult for them to go about their daily lives and causing tensions to rise between the two communities.

The story focuses on two characters from opposite sides of the wall: Amsalem, a Palestinian businessman from the village on the Israeli side of the wall, and Razi, a Palestinian farmer from the village on the other side. Amsalem is an idealistic and ambitious businessman who is eager to find a way to help his community thrive despite the challenges posed by the wall. Razi, on the other hand, is a proud and stubborn farmer who is determined to resist any attempts to break down the wall.

Despite their differences, Amsalem and Razi find themselves drawn together by a shared sense of frustration and despair over the situation they find themselves in. As they begin to work together towards a common goal, they start to discover that they have more in common than they first thought. Over time, their friendship grows stronger, and they find themselves fighting not just for their own communities, but for a better future for all Palestinians.

The film is incredibly poignant and moving, exploring themes of conflict, division, and the power of human connections to overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The performances of the lead actors are exceptional, bringing to life complex and nuanced characters who are both flawed and sympathetic. Ali Suliman and Dirar Suleiman in particular deliver powerful and emotionally charged performances that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Another standout aspect of the film is its stunning cinematography, which captures the stark beauty of the Palestinian landscape and the brutalist architecture of the wall itself. The director uses imagery and symbolism to convey the underlying themes of the story, creating a visually arresting and deeply meaningful viewing experience.

Under the Same Sun is not just an incredibly compelling film in its own right; it is also a powerful political statement about the situation in the Palestinian territories. The film is unflinching in its portrayal of the struggles and injustices faced by Palestinian communities, without ever feeling preachy or didactic. Instead, it tells a gripping story that puts a human face on the conflict, reminding us that despite our differences, we are all fundamentally interconnected.

Overall, Under the Same Sun is a must-see film that offers a moving and thought-provoking portrait of life in the Palestinian territories. Its powerful performances, striking visuals, and complex characters make it a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Under the Same Sun is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.