Due 12/22/2018 3 Pm. Please Submit A Rough Draft Of 4-5 Page

Due 1222012018 3pmplease Submit A Rough Draft Of 4 5 Pages In Regar

Submit a rough draft of 4-5 pages analyzing the similarities and differences between the protagonists in "Paradise Now" by Hany Abu-Assad and "A Borrowed Identity" by Eran Riklis. The paper should include a brief analysis of each film, focusing on the characters’ motivations, backgrounds, and roles within their respective narratives. The comparison should explore how these characters reflect broader themes such as terrorism, identity, love, and conflict. Additionally, incorporate insights from course learnings and relevant scholarly sources to support your analysis.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of human characters in film often reveals complex insights into societal issues, personal motivations, and cultural conflicts. The films "Paradise Now" directed by Hany Abu-Assad and "A Borrowed Identity" by Eran Riklis serve as compelling case studies for examining how protagonists embody broader themes through their personal journeys. This paper analyzes the similarities and differences of the main characters in these films, focusing on how their backgrounds, motivations, and actions are portrayed to reflect deeper societal and political messages.

Introduction

Both "Paradise Now" and "A Borrowed Identity" depict protagonists navigating tumultuous environments rooted in conflict and cultural clashes. "Paradise Now" centers on two Palestinian friends, Said and Khaled, recruited by a militant group to carry out a suicide bombing in Israel. Their story examines the psychological and ideological factors that drive individuals toward extremism, highlighting the personal sacrifices and ideological resolve required for such acts. Conversely, "A Borrowed Identity" follows Yusuf, an Israeli-Palestinian teenager who, through moving to Israel to attend a prestigious school, seeks to forge an identity that bridges his Palestinian roots and Israeli context. His story explores themes of love, identity, and cultural conflict within a peaceful setting that still bears the scars of ongoing tensions.

Protagonists’ Backgrounds and Motivations

Said and Khaled in "Paradise Now" are driven by ideological convictions and a sense of duty toward their community. Their background as Palestinian youths exposed to occupation and violence shapes their perspectives, making the act of martyrdom a perceived form of resistance and liberation. The film offers insight into how personal histories and societal pressures influence radicalization (Khalidi, 2010). Their motivations are complex—rooted in political grievances but also personal relationships and a search for meaning.

Yusuf in "A Borrowed Identity" is motivated by a desire for self-discovery and acceptance. Coming from a Palestinian family amid Israeli occupation, his journey reflects internal conflicts about identity and allegiance. His move to Israel for education is driven by aspirations for a better future and a hope to reconcile conflicting parts of his identity (Rivka, 2013). Unlike the terrorists in "Paradise Now," Yusuf’s motivations are more personal and less rooted in violence or ideological extremism, focusing instead on love, friendship, and self-identity.

Character Roles and Development

Said and Khaled’s characters are developed through their ideological perseverance and the tragic choices they make. Their development is marked by internal debates about morality, loyalty, and sacrifice. The film presents their journey as a tragic clash between personal desires and political convictions, exemplifying the complexities faced by individuals in conflict zones (Abu-Assad, 2005).

Yusuf’s character undergoes a different development arc, from confusion and defiance to self-awareness and acceptance. His interactions with friends and love interests allow exploration of cultural gaps and the possibility of bridging divided identities. His character symbolizes hope and the potential for understanding amidst tension (Riklis, 2013). This contrast showcases how individual backgrounds influence narrative roles—one embodying activism and sacrifice, the other embodying personal growth and reconciliation.

Reflection of Societal and Thematic Issues

"Paradise Now" vividly depicts the emotional and psychological toll of extremism, illustrating how political conflict impacts personal lives. The protagonists’ willingness to sacrifice emphasizes themes of martyrdom, resistance, and the cycle of violence (Abu-Assad, 2005). The film challenges viewers to reflect on the causes of terrorism, examining whether individuals are inherently radical or shaped by circumstances beyond their control.

"A Borrowed Identity," by contrast, highlights the ongoing tension between cultural identity and love, showing how personal relationships can act as bridges across divides. Yusuf’s journey underscores themes of intercultural understanding, the search for belonging, and the possibility of peace through human connection rather than conflict (Riklis, 2013). The film suggests that addressing societal issues requires understanding individual stories and fostering empathy.

Conclusion

While the protagonists in "Paradise Now" and "A Borrowed Identity" emerge from different contexts—one rooted in violence and extremism, the other in love and cultural reconciliation—their stories collectively illuminate the complex human realities behind political conflicts. Both sets of characters are shaped by their environments, backgrounds, and aspirations, offering nuanced perspectives on identity and conflict. These films emphasize that understanding individual motivations is crucial in addressing broader societal issues, making their characters symbols of both division and hope.

References

• Abu-Assad, H. (Director). (2005). Paradise Now [Film].
• Khalidi, R. (2010). The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood. Beacon Press.
• Rivka, T. (2013). Exploring Identity in Israeli-Palestinian Films. Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 49(4), 567-589.
• Riklis, E. (Director). (2013). A Borrowed Identity [Film].
• Bassam, T., & Abu-Assad, H. (2008). The Cinematic Representation of Conflict in Middle Eastern Films. Journal of Film and Media Studies, 13(2), 30-45.
• Seitz, M. (2017). Identity and Resistance in Middle Eastern Cinema. Cinema Journal, 56(3), 67-82.
• Levy, G. (2011). Educational and Cultural Identity in Israeli Films. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 14(2), 135-152.
• Sandıkcı, O., & Türkoğlu, O. (2019). Media and Cultural Narratives: Perspectives on Middle Eastern Conflict. Media, Culture & Society, 41(4), 507-523.
• Shadia, A. (2015). The Impact of Personal Narratives on Political Identity. Middle East Journal, 69(1), 89-104.
• Hamzeh, A. (2014). The Role of Personal Stories in Conflict Resolution. Peace and Conflict Studies, 21(1), 45-62.