
Ajami
2009, Drama, 2h 0m
69 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
This multi-character drama balances intimate portrayals and broad political implications to paint a bracing and moving portrait of the Middle East conflict. Read critic reviews
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Cast & Crew
Omar
Malek
Nasri
Abu-Lias
Hadir
Ilham
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Critic Reviews for Ajami
Audience Reviews for Ajami
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Nov 27, 2011Directed by a Palestinian and an Israeli, this film tells the stories of several men in Israel/Palestine who struggle in the midst of colonization and ethnic hatred. It wasn't until over an hour into the film that I finally figured out what was going on. The directors use an Tarantino-esque style of fractured narration and points of view, and though it may have been my fault - I might have been slow on the uptake - the story-telling was not as crisp as Tarantino, who is able to introduce all his characters in a short period of time without letting plot lines dangle too long. That said, once <i>Ajami</i> revealed itself, I found it remarkably compelling. Every moment rang with verisimilitude, and it felt like I was watching real people's lives unfold in a tragic, star-crossed land. Compared to other genuine films about Israel/Palestine, like <i>Laila's Birthday</i>, <i>Ajami</i> is much darker, almost hopeless. Its message is a desperate condemnation of the hatred and violence that suffuse everyday life in the directors' homelands. Overall, I think now that you know you can trust the directors' storytelling - that you know that it all makes sense by the end - you might be able to enjoy the hell out of this important film.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Jan 23, 2011It took a bit of time to figure out the disjointed non-linear plotting with this film. The detailed flashbacks, with increasingly more details, was likely the whole point of the movie. Every time more details were filled in, and more information was available, the assumptions about the motives and actions of the characters became more understandable. By the very end, it all came together in a most shocking way. Well done.Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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Dec 19, 2010Powerful film! Also hard to absorb some of the segments in the film at times!Linda K Super Reviewer
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Dec 16, 2010The best film of its kind since "The Edge of Heaven". It's hard to believe that this masterpiece was concocted by nonprofessionals, since its authenticity transcends conventional filmmaking. This is a complex and convoluted non-linear story that is so brilliantly constructed and connected, it easily trumps films like "Crash" and "Babel".Richard F Super Reviewer
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