Last night I watched a moving and exceptionally well made film, Paradise Now. It’s the story of two young Palestinian men who are chosen to carry out a suicide bombing against Israel. The film does a reasonably good job of showing arguments both for and against armed resistance while giving us a unique view into the lives and struggles of the Palestinian people.

The movie also gives a rarely seen view into how Hamas and other organizations recruit, organize and carry out such missions. One striking part of the operation involves an Israeli helping to smuggle the young Palestinians into Israel. I was shocked to realize this, but even in polarized conflicts there are those who are willing to help the other side in exchange for money. The film has a great ending that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the second the credits roll. I won’t ruin it, but this film is worth checking out.

Oh, and a surprise treat on the DVD was a trailer for Everything is Illuminated, which looks pretty good. It was a Warner Independent picture that not surprisingly didn’t get much promotion or distribution.