In 'Amreeka,' Palestinians Try Life in Illinois

posted on: Sep 18, 2009

Films about immigration and the difficult transition to American life often are dark and somber affairs. They tend to focus on the harsh clash of cultures, economic privation and bitter struggles with prejudice.

The beauty of “Amreeka,” National Geographic Entertainment’s first venture into feature films, is in first-time director Cherien Dabis’ nimble touch. Dabis doesn’t sugarcoat the painful transition to life in a foreign country, but she doesn’t limit herself to the melodrama. Hardship and harsh attitudes are taken in stride, almost with the cinematic equivalent of a rueful smile. The result is a convincing and bittersweet look at the struggles of a pair of Palestinian immigrants and their extended family of not-so-recent arrivals.

Though the story has its episodes of ethnic discrimination, a gentle sense of humor runs through this tale of Muna (Nisreen Faour), a resilient and loving Palestinian mother, and her teenage son, Fadi (Melkar Muallem).

The two leave their increasingly dangerous life in Bethlehem to stay with Muna’s sister Raghda (Hiam Abbass of “The Visitor”), her doctor husband (Yussuf Abu-Warda) and their three very Americanized daughters in small-town Illinois. The oldest daughter, the teenage Salma (Alia Shawkat of “Arrested Development”), is particularly outspoken about the conflict in the West Bank and about the war in Iraq, both recurring backdrops for the movie.

Salma tries to help Fadi fit in and defend himself against slurs from fellow students. He is referred to as “Osama,” and jokes circulate about his being a suicide bomber.

But not everyone Muna and Fadi encounter is fearful of them. The principal at Fadi’s school is an openhearted man, as are a few others.

This slice of American life, as seen through the eyes of Palestinian immigrants, is nuanced, engaging and authentically observed. Though some of the bias they endure is predictable, the unfolding of this subtly uplifting saga is not.
Additional Facts
‘Amreeka’

Three stars, out of four stars
Rated PG-13; drug use involving teens, language
1 hour, 37 minutes

Claudia Puig
USA Today