Between Heaven and Earth

Once again Najwa Najjar takes her viewers deep into both her homeland and its history, revealing secrets about not only her protagonists but also the creation of the state of Israel. Evocative cinematography and well drawn characters enrich the storytelling as the lead characters embark on a quest through the physical and psychic territory of their parents. At once a story of love lost, found and taken away as well as highlighting the everyday realities of Palestinians seeking simply to live their lives. This movie is definitely a must watch for anyone with interest in great storytelling and/or the Middle East.

Like all Palestinian filmmakers Najwa feels the burden of the Palestinian cause on her shoulders and at the same time tries to simlify and humanize Palestinian life.

Najwa Najjar's signature films always have a love story that being challenged and never gives a final verdict on that or the main plot.

Enjoyable to watch and realistic in its protrayal of an undereported life of Palestinians who have to go through so much difficulties just to be together because one happens to be a citizen of Israel and the other happens to be living under occupation. The apartheid regime that Human Rights Watch and others have talked about comes to life in the story of this couple from two parts of historic Palestine.

As alwaysNajwa's insights are powerful because of their human perspective. She doesn't need to speak in political terms to send a powerful political message that Palestine must be free and that all Palestinians from the sea to the river (and diaspora) are one people who have a right to determine their own future.

Najjar skillfully portrays love's chaos within a history of personal and political turmoil. It was a very intimate journey with the couple as they tried for divorce, met with both continuous, subtle reminders of the power of love, as well as challenges to reigniting it while coming to terms with themselves. The moments of silence, for me, were the loudest, most intimate and engaging. Brilliant soundtrack too. Would recommend!

Between Heaven and Earth beautifully intertwines the nuances of Palestinian love and life and subtlety presents them through a moving storyline. I loved what the road trip symbolized with the delightful personalities and heavenly landscapes encountered on the way. And the ending scene was just perfect! The film speaks easily to an international audience who will relate to the human story and also learn a thing or two about the intricacies of being Palestinian. Najwa, this is your best work. Bravo!

A moving film that takes you by the hand and slowly walks you around the hidden historical details of Palestine, through the backdrop of a bitter divorce. Few films on Palestine have been able to capture the nuances of the conflict and for those interested to dive into them or to even be taken away by breathtaking cinematography, I would highly recommend to add this film to the top of your movie list.