The horror, brutality, and sickening abhorrence of criminal occupation, revealed in the resulting human drama: this is a quiet film about a man looking for his daughter amidst the forced destitution and impossible demands of Israeli domination over Palestine. Occasionally punctuated by tense moments of interrogation and jarring flashes of violence, the movie is mostly intent on imparting a definite narrative, yet also emphatically communicates the condition of Palestinean society under occupation. 'Eyes of a thief' is deeply engrossing.
The bulk of the active plot is not unfamiliar - interpersonal drama that's at turns heartwarming, awkward, frustrating, and heartbreaking. Other movies have told similar stories, but that doesn't inherently reduce the value of 'Eyes of a thief.' It's executed quite well here, with fine writing and camerawork from filmmaker Najwa Najjar that effectively conveys and captures every beat of story and emotion, no matter how great or small. For whatever we are plainly shown, much more is penned or depicted with a subtle hand that leaves it to the viewer to pick up the traces. Furthermore, Najjar has written characters with depth and complexity, and enough laxity as to allow her actors to inhabit the roles as they will.
The cast is up to the challenge. Star Khaled Abol Naga, as Tarek, carries a ponderous weight on his shoulders, tired yet determined. Co-star Souad Massi, as Leila, harbors an enormity of world-weariness only slightly less than Naga; hers is but a supporting role, yet she is still rather prominent, and handles the part well. Even young Malak Ermileh, featuring as the character of the same name, echoes the skills of her elders, including still other supporting figures. There's a dexterity and nuance in every performance that's transfixing; these characters are believable, sympathetic, and very real - nevermind that the movie is based on a true story.
Costume design, makeup, lighting, sound, and every other technical consideration is outstanding. The original score of Tamer Karawan ably lends to and maintains the mood throughout the picture, while specific songs included in the soundtrack - especially those from co-star Massi - are infectious in their own right. And it's very noteworthy that 'Eyes of a thief' was filmed in Palestine, completing the authenticity of the narrative.
And that setting is the detail that sets this movie apart. The story of the characters plays out in a time and place robbed of land, resources, wealth, identity, and youth. The occupation breaks families, restricts mobility literal and figurative, cuts power, steals water, corrupts public figures, and necessarily bloodies the hands of people trying to protect what remains of their home. One could strip away these aspects from the plot and have the bones of a feature, yet the glimpses of occupied Palestine are so essential to the real heart of 'Eyes of a thief' as to be that component that makes it whole. These aspects are only flourishes for much of the runtime, flavoring for the narrative or flashbacks to cement the background - yet in the last 20 or so minutes, the two halves of the picture become one, with profound gravity and emotional weight.
'Eyes of a thief' was selected as Palestine's entry for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards held in February 2015. I admit I've not had the opportunity to view the films that were nominated, yet having watched this, I find it hard to believe that its rejection wasn't purely out of dishonest Hollywood politics.
This is a heartfelt drama with consummating details that makes it ever more impactful. For the nature of the setting and conflict at hand, it may be a difficult watch for some viewers - yet that same quality makes it absolutely essential. 'Eyes of the thief' isn't just fantastic storytelling, but also substantively communicative of a dire message. In every film-making consideration it excels and deserves to be seen by a much wider audience. Bravo!
