Omar (Hany Abu-Assad)

Omar is a political film. A subtle dramatization of a situation compelling the viewers to think out its contradictions. Palestinian director Hany Abu-Assad’s Omar is about a young man caught between love and his commitment to the Palestinian cause. The protagonist is a young militant who goes on a mission with his two best friends, gets captured by Israeli intelligence. Adam Bakri plays the hero who realises that compromise and subterfuge may be the only way to win Nadia (Lubany), his friend's sister, whom he wishes to marry. It's a lean, controlled and captivating film.

Hany Abu-Assad's Oscar-nominated Omar, a story of spy craft and betrayal, has an intensity that many spy films lack. 

The film action takes place in the heart of occupied Palestine and the time is present day. Abu-Assad's screenplay interweaves personal and political elements. There is also a documentary-like aspect to its portrayal.

Omar (Adam Bakri) is first seen scaling the isolation wall that was built to protect Israelis from Palestinian ‘terrorists’ to visit his friend Tarek (Eyad Horuani), whose beautiful younger sister Nadia (Leem Lubany) he is courting.

Omar, a baker by trade is harassed and humiliated by Israeli soldiers. He and his friends have no freedom of movement. They are faced with torture and imprisonment. The only chance to save themselves is to turn informers.

There are scenes in which prisoners are being tortured and blackmailed. The Israeli security agent Rami (Waleed Zuaiter), is one of the most sympathetic characters who tries to manipulate the Palestinians and turn them against one another. There is one telling and very touching scene in which this shadowy figure calls his mother to ask her to pick up his child.  Abu-Assad portrays him as a cultured and decent man. He has an obvious rapport with his antagonist Omar.

This is a film in which everyone turns out to be deceiving everyone else. Characters breach many of the sacred principles of the freedom fighters including indulging in confessions. There is treachery and stealth which are portrayed as a necessary part of everyday existence. Lovers aren't honest. Close friends keep secrets from one another, spy on each other. Everyone knows there is an informer in their midst but it is almost impossible to identify where the leaks are coming from.

The way the film tones down the polemics is one of the film's strengths. The situations faced by its characters are self-evident. While the Palestinians live under occupation, the Israelis are under constant threat of violence.

 The film combines gentle comedy and moments of lyricism with scenes of torture and violence.