A drama centered on an orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in the wake of the first Arab-Israeli war who finds herself drawn into the conflict.
Direction
Schnabel's painterly eye turns Jerusalem into living canvas.
Cinematography
Handheld intimacy clashes with epic scope beautifully.
Acting
Hiam Abbass anchors everything with devastating warmth.
Director
Julian Schnabel
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Rula Jebreal's autobiographical novel; she and Schnabel were partners during production, which fueled accusations of personal bias.
Premiered at Venice to walkouts and standing ovations simultaneously—Israeli officials actually tried to block its screening.
FR
