The difficulties faced by the Palestinians under Israeli military occupation are rarely explored in movies. One of the most notable efforts in recent years is Hany Abu-Assad's 2006 movie Paradise Lost, and he delivered another probing cinematic essay on the issue with Omar. Omar is as much a love story as it is a document of life in the occupied territories - the titular character strives to carry out his obligations both to the cause he is fighting for - the emancipation of the Palestinian people - and the woman he loves. Inevitably, the tension between the two ideals leads to a conflict which he struggles to resolve. Abu-Assad's direction is nothing if not assured - the winding alleys and back streets of the West Bank are the setting for some fast-paced chase scenes as Omar (Adam Bakri) flees from the authorities - while the politics behind the conflict are hinted at with an even, objective perspective. Perhaps not quite in the same league as Paradise Now, but nevertheless a worthy addition to Palestinian cinema.
