167 reviews
Powerful and Heartbreaking
I'm not going to lie, this makes really difficult viewing. Anyone with an ounce of empathy and compassion will find it heartbreaking. But this also makes it essential viewing so that we understand the history and the pain of the Palestinian people. I had hoped to see it more from a historical aspect but seeing it from the view of Farha really helps you to get to grips with what it was like for Palestinians at the time. It isn't overly graphic but could be quite a traumatic watch for younger viewers. But what about the situation in Palestine isn't traumatic? I watched it with my 13, 11 and 6 yr old children.
- rumenaaktar
- Dec 2, 2022
- Permalink
In the Blink of an Eye...
... when your hands could reach the sky, when a future had been opened and your dreams had been awoken, with a chance to learn and teach, explore, investigate and seek, helping barriers erode, helping others to decode; but instead of unlocked doors, you're imprisoned by a war, observe the crimes of an invasion, through portals locked without salvation, inhumanity to man, to children, to families, by man, against the innocent civilians, who still suffer in their millions.
An outstanding performance by Karam Taher brings to life the torment, torture and tyranny endured during times of upheaval post WWII.
An outstanding performance by Karam Taher brings to life the torment, torture and tyranny endured during times of upheaval post WWII.
A strong story in the middle of a conflict
- frukostrast
- Feb 2, 2022
- Permalink
Detailed sensitive view of traditional Palestinian village life before the Nakba
The tale of Farha is not only a tale of the destruction of Palestinian life caused by the Nakba. It is a sensitive and beautiful portrait of traditional village life and the dreams of a young girl who desires an education beyond that provided to girls by the village Sheikh as well as a destiny beyond marriage. No one should miss this portrait of Palestine in 1948.
Although the film begins at a time of turmoil, the traditional harvest by the women of the village is shown while Farha reads a book. Her father, as mayor, is asked to join the fighters but hesitates. A traditional betrothal is shown, and the viewer becomes aware of Farha's indifference to a marriage arrangement and her own ambition to study at a school in the city. It is against this backdrop that the violence and destruction of the Nakba begins to unfold.
The inclusion of traditional harvest and betrothal songs are beautiful details and offer a counterpoint to the horror of the events of 1948.
Although the film begins at a time of turmoil, the traditional harvest by the women of the village is shown while Farha reads a book. Her father, as mayor, is asked to join the fighters but hesitates. A traditional betrothal is shown, and the viewer becomes aware of Farha's indifference to a marriage arrangement and her own ambition to study at a school in the city. It is against this backdrop that the violence and destruction of the Nakba begins to unfold.
The inclusion of traditional harvest and betrothal songs are beautiful details and offer a counterpoint to the horror of the events of 1948.
Captivating!
Decided to finally watch this, didn't regret it one bit. If you're expecting a political film, this is not it. This was a raw and emotional account of how a young Palestinian girl lost everything near and dear to her and how her aspirations of becoming a teacher and opening a girls school in her village were destroyed due to the events of the Nakba.
It was filmed very well with brilliant cinematography and amazing sound design. The primary protagonist was great and the overall acting was very convincing.
Definitely worth a watch!
Be aware that this film has some tear jerking moments, it is the unfortunate reality of what occured in Palestine.
It was filmed very well with brilliant cinematography and amazing sound design. The primary protagonist was great and the overall acting was very convincing.
Definitely worth a watch!
Be aware that this film has some tear jerking moments, it is the unfortunate reality of what occured in Palestine.
Extremely difficult psychologically. Outstanding.
I am Jewish. I want to make this abundantly clear in my review. I am the Am Yisrael. I am supposed to hate this.
But I cannot. This is an extremely difficult to watch movie. It's psychologically torturous. It is, genuinely, the hardest watch since I saw Stalker or Solaris, and people who watch Russian sci-fi know the extent of it.
This communicated the message better than anything ever before. I feel like had I watched it as a Zionist, it would bring me to the point I am at right now regardless.
The raw power, the naked truthfulness of the movie makes it an extremely valuable experience and motivates the watcher to take action against the Israeli oppression. I am deeply ashamed that my holy land is being claimed by an apartheid state.
But I cannot. This is an extremely difficult to watch movie. It's psychologically torturous. It is, genuinely, the hardest watch since I saw Stalker or Solaris, and people who watch Russian sci-fi know the extent of it.
This communicated the message better than anything ever before. I feel like had I watched it as a Zionist, it would bring me to the point I am at right now regardless.
The raw power, the naked truthfulness of the movie makes it an extremely valuable experience and motivates the watcher to take action against the Israeli oppression. I am deeply ashamed that my holy land is being claimed by an apartheid state.
- lskulskaia
- Jan 1, 2023
- Permalink
Beautiful historical true story
Watched this with my teen children. We all loved it despite it being slow in the middle. A must-see to help understand history. Wonderful to have movies depicting Palestine to portray a genuine side to the conflict.
Watch it with your family. It's heart-breaking but nothing too gory that a teen can't handle.
Artistically the movie was beautifully directed.
A girl's dreams that collapsed all in one day because of occupying forces against a nation of defenseless villagers.
Loved the details of the costumes and the songs.
Loved the dialects in Arabic.
I wish they had translated her lullaby accurately. Instead it was translated as an American classic lullaby.
The best part is that it's a true story.
The truth of Palestine history needs to be portrayed more and the people deserve justice.
Watch it with your family. It's heart-breaking but nothing too gory that a teen can't handle.
Artistically the movie was beautifully directed.
A girl's dreams that collapsed all in one day because of occupying forces against a nation of defenseless villagers.
Loved the details of the costumes and the songs.
Loved the dialects in Arabic.
I wish they had translated her lullaby accurately. Instead it was translated as an American classic lullaby.
The best part is that it's a true story.
The truth of Palestine history needs to be portrayed more and the people deserve justice.
There is nothing cheap, mawkish or sensational. Much better than Adrien Brody's The Pianist.
Everything is impeccable.
The direction is top notch, the cinematography mesmerizing, the editing crispy, engaging screenplay n terrific performances by all.
The lead female actor gave a terrific performance but the best stuff is the direction.
The director n this movie deserves more recognition worldwide.
Hats off to the director for not trying to show unnecessary violent or brutal stuff.
The camera does not linger any longer than is necessary on the horrific scenes.
There is nothing cheap, mawkish or sensational.
In fact it is much better than Adrien Brody's The Pianist.
I hope it gets the recognition in the Oscars.
The direction is top notch, the cinematography mesmerizing, the editing crispy, engaging screenplay n terrific performances by all.
The lead female actor gave a terrific performance but the best stuff is the direction.
The director n this movie deserves more recognition worldwide.
Hats off to the director for not trying to show unnecessary violent or brutal stuff.
The camera does not linger any longer than is necessary on the horrific scenes.
There is nothing cheap, mawkish or sensational.
In fact it is much better than Adrien Brody's The Pianist.
I hope it gets the recognition in the Oscars.
- Fella_shibby
- Dec 14, 2022
- Permalink
A story that's all too familiar
- ariafiesta
- Dec 2, 2022
- Permalink
A Powerful Plea For The Palestine Voice To Be Heard
A story of shattered dreams, uprooted communities & destruction of the soul, Farha is one of the countless accounts of al-Nakba, the 1948 Palestinian exodus that led to their displacement from their homeland for the creation of Israel. Powerful, provocative & profoundly upsetting, the film is a harrowing coming-of-age journey of a young girl whose innocence is destroyed by the violence she witnesses.
Written & directed by Darin J. Sallam in her feature film debut, the premise may be bare-boned but it is sufficient enough for the horrors of the diaspora to play out. The film acquaints us with our 14-year-old protagonist's dreams & aspirations before the coming tragedy and the despair & anguish she's left with after seeing the sheer brutality of the invading forces. It's not an easy sit but then, it isn't supposed to be nor it should be.
Most of the events unfold inside the pantry our titular character is locked in by her father after their village is attacked. The camera stays with her throughout the ordeal, shows the violence from her perspective, and aptly captures her loss of innocence. Karam Taher is outstanding in her debut performance and plays the eponymous role with emotional precision. Sound is also integral in conveying the terror unfolding outside and it is expertly utilised.
Overall, Farha informs & sheds light on a vital slice of Palestine history that its oppressors have tried to brush under the rug for decades and makes for only a small fragment of the massacres that unfolded back in 1948 & still continue to this day. Although heavy-handed at times, it does get the message across with clarity and is a strong plea for the Palestine voice to be heard & not be silenced. One of last year's better offerings and by all means an essential viewing.
Written & directed by Darin J. Sallam in her feature film debut, the premise may be bare-boned but it is sufficient enough for the horrors of the diaspora to play out. The film acquaints us with our 14-year-old protagonist's dreams & aspirations before the coming tragedy and the despair & anguish she's left with after seeing the sheer brutality of the invading forces. It's not an easy sit but then, it isn't supposed to be nor it should be.
Most of the events unfold inside the pantry our titular character is locked in by her father after their village is attacked. The camera stays with her throughout the ordeal, shows the violence from her perspective, and aptly captures her loss of innocence. Karam Taher is outstanding in her debut performance and plays the eponymous role with emotional precision. Sound is also integral in conveying the terror unfolding outside and it is expertly utilised.
Overall, Farha informs & sheds light on a vital slice of Palestine history that its oppressors have tried to brush under the rug for decades and makes for only a small fragment of the massacres that unfolded back in 1948 & still continue to this day. Although heavy-handed at times, it does get the message across with clarity and is a strong plea for the Palestine voice to be heard & not be silenced. One of last year's better offerings and by all means an essential viewing.
- CinemaClown
- Jun 20, 2023
- Permalink
English Review
- zainrehman-23977
- Jan 15, 2023
- Permalink
Storytelling at its best
- screamonly
- Oct 4, 2022
- Permalink
Didn't live up to the ratings IMHO...
Although I think the Palestinian War and Nakba are important pieces of history, and more movies should be bring this time in our history to light, I don't think this movie is good enough to recommend. I think most of the high ratings come from the emotional subject matter rather than the quality of the film itself.
The subtitled movie, Farha, was inspired by a true story and although poignant, it was often slow and frustrating to watch. The movie mainly takes place in one room at the home of a Palestinian family, and is primarily focused on the experience of the teen daughter named Farha.
14-year-old Farha is determined to get an education. As she waits for her father to decide if he will allow her to go to school in the city (instead of focusing on getting married, like a good Muslim girl) her little village erupts into violence caused by the "Palestinian Catastrophe", the destruction and displacement of Palestinian society in 1948. Farha is hidden in a small pantry off her courtyard where she hears and watches through a tiny window the catastrophe overtaking her village.
The acting is decent, but the story is slow and drawn out. The film gets claustrophobic and stagnant at times, which I guess is the point. Although Farha is supposed to be intelligent and driven, you find yourself questioning and frustrated by her choices while in hiding (as well as the choices of other characters). The plot creeps slowly along in the middle part of the movie. There just isn't a lot of substance. It starts to pick up towards the last third of the movie and then, it just ends, and a few postscript/epilogue sentences leave a not so satisfying feeling for the time invested, IMHO! Didn't hate it, but didn't love it either. 5.8 stars.
The subtitled movie, Farha, was inspired by a true story and although poignant, it was often slow and frustrating to watch. The movie mainly takes place in one room at the home of a Palestinian family, and is primarily focused on the experience of the teen daughter named Farha.
14-year-old Farha is determined to get an education. As she waits for her father to decide if he will allow her to go to school in the city (instead of focusing on getting married, like a good Muslim girl) her little village erupts into violence caused by the "Palestinian Catastrophe", the destruction and displacement of Palestinian society in 1948. Farha is hidden in a small pantry off her courtyard where she hears and watches through a tiny window the catastrophe overtaking her village.
The acting is decent, but the story is slow and drawn out. The film gets claustrophobic and stagnant at times, which I guess is the point. Although Farha is supposed to be intelligent and driven, you find yourself questioning and frustrated by her choices while in hiding (as well as the choices of other characters). The plot creeps slowly along in the middle part of the movie. There just isn't a lot of substance. It starts to pick up towards the last third of the movie and then, it just ends, and a few postscript/epilogue sentences leave a not so satisfying feeling for the time invested, IMHO! Didn't hate it, but didn't love it either. 5.8 stars.
- LiveLoveLead
- Dec 15, 2022
- Permalink
Creative "slice of life" yet historically accurate storytelling of the Nakba
'Farha' (2021) is a visually stunning, historically accurate film set in 1948 that depicts a relatively small-scale tragedy that Palestinians refer to as the Nakba (Arabic for "catastrophe"). The film doesn't detail the politics behind the arrival of the Israel Defense Forces. It primarily unfolds in a storage room, offering glimpses of life through a crack in the wall. Sound is used effectively to give color, further cementing the trauma of the experience in an emotional roller coaster. The storytelling techniques do not fail to describe the world beyond the walls: strafed by bullets, torn apart by cries of distress, and marred by an airless, oppressive quality.
- Keepin-it-Kind
- Dec 17, 2022
- Permalink
Gripping
I saw this movie on Netflix and it depicts the tale of a young girl who lives in a Palestinian village with her father in 1948 at the beginning of the invasion of her homeland.
This gripping film will leave you on the edge of your seat as you watch her hide out in a storage room while witnessing the displacement of her community and the assassination of the families in the region.
It does an excellent job of depicting how colonization can devastate an entire country, displace its people and obliterate generations of families that share a heritage to that homeland spanning hundreds of years.
I cannot recommended this movie enough. The acting in this film was superb, highlighting the beauty of Palestinian culture through clothes, food and customs. The actors showed the struggle of balancing traditional customs with the increasing demand for women's right to education.
Overall, the nail biting experience of the main character will give you insight into the Palestinian peoples' resistance to the occupation and the catastrophe that we know as the Nakba.
This gripping film will leave you on the edge of your seat as you watch her hide out in a storage room while witnessing the displacement of her community and the assassination of the families in the region.
It does an excellent job of depicting how colonization can devastate an entire country, displace its people and obliterate generations of families that share a heritage to that homeland spanning hundreds of years.
I cannot recommended this movie enough. The acting in this film was superb, highlighting the beauty of Palestinian culture through clothes, food and customs. The actors showed the struggle of balancing traditional customs with the increasing demand for women's right to education.
Overall, the nail biting experience of the main character will give you insight into the Palestinian peoples' resistance to the occupation and the catastrophe that we know as the Nakba.
- couchpotatofilmbuff
- Dec 14, 2022
- Permalink
Powerful story
Not what I was expecting
- sumy-90643
- Dec 6, 2022
- Permalink
A painful but realistic story
- Claricedemedici
- Dec 13, 2022
- Permalink
Takes away a piece of your heart to make sure you remember it forever
Farha (2021)
The last time I felt such profound sadness and speechlessness after a film was when I watched Capernaum on the big screen. I wish this film played in the cinemas as well because these are the kinds of movies that need to be seen. In its short runtime, Farha packs a heavy amount of powerful and heart wrenching emotions that give an insight into the tragedy of Al Nakba that took place in Palestine in 1948. Here, we get to see a story of young girl and as shattering as it might look, it's important to remember that there were tens of thousands of similar and possibly more tragic stories all across the country.
The tale begins with a pleasant portrayal of a small Palestinian village where we get to witness ordinary life of the villagers with their share of hardships and joys. Children are playing in the nature, people are getting married and a girl named Farha has big dreams of going to a city school to get a proper education. All of a sudden, the happiness and dreams are erased by bombs and gunfire while the smiles are replaced with screams, tears and terror. Farha's father hides her in a provisions closet with hopes of shielding her from the horror but eventually, the horror comes knocking at the door.
Despite the harrowing history and nature of the events, the director masterfully sets up the scenes in a balance that allows the audience to make their own observations and pass their own judgements. The moive doesn't go overboard with violence and instead, creates impactful moments that will suck the life out of you. In between, there are periods of silence, darkness and suffocating claustrophobia that show so much that is unspoken while allowing the audience to catch a break and ponder the events.
The acting from Karam, the girl that plays Farha, is great throughout the film as she is able to depict hope, despair, fear and the will to live. Artistically, there are multiple small elements like the use of lighting that provide an additional touch to this powerful film. When the end credits play, you wont be able to move because of the music and because of a piece of history that your have just witnessed.
The last time I felt such profound sadness and speechlessness after a film was when I watched Capernaum on the big screen. I wish this film played in the cinemas as well because these are the kinds of movies that need to be seen. In its short runtime, Farha packs a heavy amount of powerful and heart wrenching emotions that give an insight into the tragedy of Al Nakba that took place in Palestine in 1948. Here, we get to see a story of young girl and as shattering as it might look, it's important to remember that there were tens of thousands of similar and possibly more tragic stories all across the country.
The tale begins with a pleasant portrayal of a small Palestinian village where we get to witness ordinary life of the villagers with their share of hardships and joys. Children are playing in the nature, people are getting married and a girl named Farha has big dreams of going to a city school to get a proper education. All of a sudden, the happiness and dreams are erased by bombs and gunfire while the smiles are replaced with screams, tears and terror. Farha's father hides her in a provisions closet with hopes of shielding her from the horror but eventually, the horror comes knocking at the door.
Despite the harrowing history and nature of the events, the director masterfully sets up the scenes in a balance that allows the audience to make their own observations and pass their own judgements. The moive doesn't go overboard with violence and instead, creates impactful moments that will suck the life out of you. In between, there are periods of silence, darkness and suffocating claustrophobia that show so much that is unspoken while allowing the audience to catch a break and ponder the events.
The acting from Karam, the girl that plays Farha, is great throughout the film as she is able to depict hope, despair, fear and the will to live. Artistically, there are multiple small elements like the use of lighting that provide an additional touch to this powerful film. When the end credits play, you wont be able to move because of the music and because of a piece of history that your have just witnessed.
- arabnikita
- Dec 20, 2022
- Permalink
Must watch movie
This is a great movie showing what has happened 1948 in Palestine. It's a must watch so ppl can understand that history keeps repeating in Palestine and nothing has changed from then to now! You see in the movie the beauty of Palestine costume and culture taken away from them with no return. We all need to watch this movie, we all need to understand the history and why this is happening. Actors are amazing and film overall in soo well done . Move needs to be watch in all platforms and it amazes me how come we hear about this move now . Must watch move and a must watch history. I highly recommend it.
- aurora-nora
- Mar 13, 2024
- Permalink
what people had to go through
I found this movie really heartbreaking and knowing that this actually happened is really unbelievable I can't imagine going through that at such a young age I hope this war eventually end in the future because this war is still happening till this day, people in Palestine are still in danger, i am Palestinian and my mom would always tell me what happened during this war and I am really happy that they made this movie so people would understand what some people were going through, I hope you understand what is happening in Palestine and I also hope you know what people in Palestine have to deal with every day so they can survive, but a lot of people don't make it and it is very heartbreaking so I hope you can understand.
- raneemabuzant
- Dec 31, 2022
- Permalink
interesting
"Farha" could not keep me engaged as a viewer. The actresses failed to deliver convincing performances, leaving me detached from the storyline. Their portrayal seemed unrealistic, making it hard to connect with the characters. The plot itself felt disconnected from reality, resembling more of a fictional narrative than a relatable story. The poor lighting further detracted from the viewing experience, with scenes appearing excessively dark and difficult to discern. While these aspects led me to doze off during the movie, it's essential to acknowledge that personal preferences vary. While I may have found "Farha" lacking, it's entirely possible that others appreciate and enjoy the film for different reasons.
- kramerthecat
- May 28, 2024
- Permalink
A tearjerker fr
This filled me with so much love and sadness. Imagine being just about to fulfill you dream, your future, things that would fill you up with happiness and even your parents being right behind you, waiting to wach you fullfil you dreams, only to be trapped my war.
It breaks my heart to know that this is reality to some, to loose family, loved ones, friends, neighbors all because of hate and the inability to coexist with each other.
This is a movie that everyone has to watch, no mater in what country or how far away from war one may be, because war is everyone business and every single one of us can do something against it.
It breaks my heart to know that this is reality to some, to loose family, loved ones, friends, neighbors all because of hate and the inability to coexist with each other.
This is a movie that everyone has to watch, no mater in what country or how far away from war one may be, because war is everyone business and every single one of us can do something against it.
- trash-16401
- Mar 4, 2024
- Permalink
Totally Genius and Minblowing
This is by far an amazing and outstanding movie I have ever watch. I felt sad, anger, stress and too overwhelming in the same time.
In fact, this movie is able to make me feel and think that we are that the girl's shoe, making me anxiety to its peak.
The cinematography, the sound effect, heck the plot line, every single thing is perfect. And you what else is perfect? The script! There is no useless and baseless script single line in the movie because it was way to pack for a good plot and pack.
I have watched many true crime story but this is gruesome. End of the movie, it will make you at least feel like "ah...., I should've done something to help brothers and sisters that need me."
Thank you so much for great plot and acting. I love it.
In fact, this movie is able to make me feel and think that we are that the girl's shoe, making me anxiety to its peak.
The cinematography, the sound effect, heck the plot line, every single thing is perfect. And you what else is perfect? The script! There is no useless and baseless script single line in the movie because it was way to pack for a good plot and pack.
I have watched many true crime story but this is gruesome. End of the movie, it will make you at least feel like "ah...., I should've done something to help brothers and sisters that need me."
Thank you so much for great plot and acting. I love it.
Intense, claustrophobic but superbly acted and produced and essential viewing