I just watched a movie called "Amreeka". When I had heard this name for the first time, I thought this has to be an Indian movie, because that's how us Indians pronounce "America" :) But, when I read about it in National Geographic, I learnt it is an Arabic movie. Since then, I was curious to know what the movie was all about. "Amreeka" beautifully portrays the hardships and hopes of a single mom and her son in their homeland, Bethlehem and in a foreign country to which they emigrate, USA.I am blessed to have been born and brought up in a free country, where one can lead a life at his/her own will. But, what about Muna (mom) and Fadi (son)? Where do they belong? Unfortunately, these Palestinian people do not have a country that they can call their own. They do not even have the right to simply walk into their homes, without being questioned by "law-enforcers" every single day of their life. Somedays, they make it home and somedays, they are stuck at any one of the multiple checkpoints along the Israeli wall. But, in spite of such hostile circumstances, they manage to maintain their sanity in the most gracious manner. My heart and my prayers go out to them.
Of course, things aren't any different for Muna and Fadi in post 9/11 USA. Because, if you are an Arab, then you have to be a Bin Laden relative and most definitely, you have to be a Muslim. How simple! They are gawked at, ridiculed, and even threatened. But, it is heartening to witness that within this sea of prejudiced people, there are a few, who perceive Muna and Fadi as what they are, harmless humans in search of happiness. I hope we can teach our children to have such tolerance.
As is evident, I simply loved the movie and all the actors, especially the adorable Muna. I think the movie leaves you with a good message and a good feeling in the end. So, I definitely recommend it :)
http://amreeka.com/html/af.html
