A Glimpse into Palestinian-American Filmmaker Cherien Dabis’ Works
Cherien Dabis, a Palestinian-American movie maker, has been sharing compelling stories about family relationships in her movies. Her first film, “Amreeka” (2009), beautifully portrayed a Palestinian mother and son immigrating from the occupied West Bank to Chicago after winning a green card lottery. Although her 2013 film “May in the Summer” didn’t quite live up to her debut, her latest project, “All That’s Left of You” demonstrates the kind of storytelling finesse she’s known for. The narrative, however, is slightly overshadowed by the ambitious scope of the film, which attempts to capture the longstanding generational trauma of a family.
“All That’s Left of You”: A Tale of Struggle and Survival
Dabis’ latest film is a grand narrative that spans nearly eight decades, following the life of a Palestinian family under Israeli occupation. Despite some indulgences, Dabis cannot be entirely faulted for her ambition. The film seeks to fill a gap in mainstream cinema, which often overlooks the harsh realities of Palestine’s occupation. Dabis uses her personal and familial memories to craft a story of the Palestinian struggle that is at times deeply moving and at others, a bit clumsy. Christopher Aoun’s cinematography, however, leaves something to be desired.
The Story Within the Story
The film is anchored by the character of Hanan, played convincingly by Dabis. She promises to share her son’s story with an unseen listener, signaling that the film is a series of flashbacks leading to a reveal. The narrative begins with Noor’s grandfather, Sharif, living in 1948’s Jaffa during the Arab-Israeli war. The family endures daily bombings and constant threat of death in their home amidst an orange grove. However, they are later displaced, their home and grove destroyed. The story then leaps to 1978, where Palestinians live in cramped quarters under regular curfews.
The Film’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Dabis’ investment in the narrative is evident in this section of the film. She beautifully captures the traditions Palestinians cling to amidst their struggles. However, the family’s reactions to events around them often feel forced, with expository dialogues taking away from the authenticity of the narrative. One of the most powerful scenes is when Salim and his son Noor are stopped by Israeli soldiers during a curfew. The soldiers’ humiliation of Salim in front of his son is a heart-wrenching and pivotal moment in the film.
Historical Trauma and Its Aftermath
The narrative jumps to 1988 when Noor is shot during a protest. The circumstances surrounding the family feel forced and the drama seems rushed. Despite these shortcomings, Dabis handles Noor’s funeral with delicacy and purpose, symbolically validating the collective grief of a people. The film also explores the moral dilemma of whether Hanan and Salim should donate Noor’s organs to recipients in need.
Conclusion
Without revealing the couple’s ultimate decision or the identity of the mystery listener, it’s safe to say that Dabis concludes the film with a powerful message about the sanctity of all human life, while mourning the ongoing tragedy of her people. Despite a somewhat prolonged finale, the journey that Dabis takes the audience on is one worth taking, despite the occasional bumps along the way.
FAQs
Who is Cherien Dabis?
Cherien Dabis is a Palestinian-American filmmaker known for her intimate portrayals of familial relationships in her movies.
What is “All That’s Left of You” about?
“All That’s Left of You” is a film that follows the life of a Palestinian family under Israeli occupation for nearly eight decades, spanning three generations.
What are some notable elements of the film?
The film is notable for its deeply moving narrative, its attempt to fill a gap in mainstream cinema’s portrayal of Palestine’s occupation, and its depiction of the Palestinian struggle.
Credit: variety.com
