The Fifth Journey ( Palestine)

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding… Albert Einstein.


Paradise Now (2005) Hany Abu-Assad, director

Please support this Oscar Nomination

Despite the theme, the sensitive topic, and people on both sides who have lost their lives, I do not believe the movie should be removed from the Oscar Nomination. The petition to revoke the movie from the nomination, asserts that the movie glorifies the suicide bomber. I disagree, in fact the movie illustrated less violence then most movies of the era. The writer of the letter points out excellent human qualities of the bomber. He/she is human. They probably have doubts, and that they to may too be the victims of some type of injustice. It also explained how other forms of resistance could be the catalyst that could stop the deaths. If we and other Palestines, do not hear this from a group that represents them, they may not feel that change can be bought about differently.
I agree with the counter-petition, finally, we get a possible other side of the issue. We get to see who the bomber is and why he/she commits this act. This could also could provide us with a method or solution to change his/ her mind. Perhaps the solution is for Israelis to leave since it appears that they have used their power to force the Palestinians out of the location. Perhaps the suicide bomber must stop killing because it will not resolve the problem. Without a truce, both sides are wrong. I feel that this is the true theme of the movie, and this is why it deserves the Oscar Nomination and a chance to receive it. It is very complicated, and I am unsure of my total and proper understanding of the situation. Furthermore, an intellectual assessment can not be formed if the facts are not presented whether they hurt or not. And ,this movies allows people like myself to see what may be happening outside of their world.