WAJIB

The 2017 movie Wajib showcases a genuine and touching portrayal of family relationships infused with the political and social conflicts of modern-day Palestine. Directed by Annemarie Jacir, it stars renowned Palestinian actors Mohammad Bakri and Saleh Bakri, with a notable performance from Tarik Kopty.

The title of the film - "Wajib" - signifies duty or obligation, and this forms the recurrent theme in the narrative, which is essentially a road movie nestled within a familial drama. Set in the bustling city of Nazareth, it is an intimate portrait of the controversial yet binding exercise of delivering wedding invitations by hand - an unwavering social custom that bridges the gap between modernity and tradition.

Mohammad Bakri plays the poised Abu Shadi, a school teacher ingrained in the traditions and orthodoxies of Palestinian society. His son, Shadi, played by Saleh Bakri, is an architect who resides in Italy. The stark contrast in their ideologies stems from their lifestyle differences. Shadi, having lived in the western world, opposes many aspects of the Palestinian socio-cultural norms that his father values. This dichotomy of beliefs and the friction it causes between them forms the crux of the storyline.

While the ritualistic duty of delivering wedding invitations seems benign on the surface, it provides Annemarie Jacir the necessary premise to delve into the intricacies of Palestinian culture and the political climate encompassing it. It stands as a subtle metaphor for unwritten obligations that the society, tradition, and political situations dictate.

Tarik Kopty serves as a catalyst in the plot, bridging the generation gap between father and son. His role emphasises the importance of familial bonds in a socio-cultural setup that often verges on instability and ambiguity. The banter between the father and son, the bitter-sweet arguments, and slice-of-life instances bring forth their influenced perspectives, breeding unique character arcs.

The screenplay is meticulously penned, touching upon multiple themes - identity, tradition vs. modernity, alienation, generational conflict, and more. Annemarie Jacir beautifully interweaves these themes within the drama, painting an authentic picture of contemporary Palestinian life. The nuanced performances of both Mohammad Bakri and Saleh Bakri bring depth to their characters, making them relatable and emotionally engaging.

The cinematography deserves a special mention for presenting Nazareth in all its naturalness. Every frame complements the plot, capturing the essence of the city, its people, raw emotions, and the underlying tensions seamlessly. This realistic depiction adds gravitas to the narrative, making the audience part of the journey rather than mere spectators.

Wajib subtly delves into the intricacies of human relationships against the backdrop of political conflict and the struggle for identity. Despite the gravity of such themes, there's a subtle layer of humor and wit that keeps the narrative engaging and relatable. The film also holds a mirror to universal themes - the generation gap, the struggle for individual autonomy in a traditional setup, and the dilemmas all families face, irrespective of the culture they belong to.

Wajib is realistic cinema at its best, showcasing the bigger picture of Palestine's social fabric, transcending beyond mere politics and into the realm of human emotions and relationships. It intricately captures the conflict between individual identity and social expectations. Remember, you're not just watching a film; you're getting a glimpse into a culture where duty and obligation hold a deeper meaning.

Wajib is not a grand spectacle, nor does it have a riveting plot. Instead, this quiet masterpiece slowly unfolds, exploring the labyrinth of human relationships, cultural conventions, and political realities with sensitivity and candor. Its true genius lies in its character-driven narrative and the universal appeal of its themes, making it a timeless and memorable cinematic experience. In a nutshell, Wajib is a brilliant exploration of duty, tradition, and modern-day standpoints against the rich tapestry of Palestine's cultural and political landscape.