saighton
I can't add a whole lot to what people have already said apart from the fact that this is FAR from propaganda. It IS told from the perspective of the occupied Palestinians, but in this film, these are a civilised, educated, privileged family, and somewhat of an ideal for Palestinians to look up to, especially the dignified restraint of the father.'Private', because the house was private until the soldiers came to occupy it, and 'Private' because the real conflict, (of which the house in the film is a microcosm), is anything BUT private, with the world constantly looking on and preoccupying itself with the conflict in one way or another... Ironic. Nothing is perfect, sometimes the best thing to do in life is get on with what you have, as you can't tell what will happen... I wish both sides in the conflict would realise this and give it a go for a few decades - they've already tried a few decades of conflict...
madams12
That a film which depicts the reality of so many actually was shown in the US is a huge shift. With a growing desire for many Americans to finally learn about the 40 year illegal occupation of Palestine and the ensuing suffering...this mild film gives a 'peek' of that reality. That ordinary families endure this and worse is not the point, but that so many still fail to comprehend is. I only wish the film got wider distribution and longer theater play time. The viewer experiences increasing tension and angst as there is no sense as to what the next crisis may be or who will be effected. Only the sense of futility and isolation remains. Those with the power continue to arbitrarily allow or end life on the spot whilst those without power can only continue to use reason and intellect to survive. How a people can continue to exist and even succeed academically or emotionally is a testament to the human spirit. This family integrates their parental respect and internal values as too few in the west even comprehend. An excellent cast and exceptional storyline which is rarely if ever seen in the States. Well done!..WELL DONE!
sajmal23
I saw this movie on DVD and was fascinated by the screenplay and how the film was visualised. I could see the pain and horror the Palestinian family had to go through. Being occupied does eventually make you go insane and takes away from you any freedom you have and your left with nothing and you rather be dead than under occupation as the woman says in it. It was a moving piece only that it could have elaborated a bit more on the story. It would have been interesting to see what the Israeli army's story was in the film and exactly why the occupied the house. I recommend everyone to see this extraordinary movie. It's a film that really shows the political and personal effects upon individuals.
peri90
I found the film Private to be an excellent depiction of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Throughout the film you feel yourself holding your breath, identifying yourself with the tension that exists in the house. The film humanizes the current situation in the middle east. Part of what is excellent about this film, is that this it is acted by both Arab and Israeli actors. One can only imagine themselves on the set of the making of this film. Or sitting in a round circle discussion with the actors.The plot: The father does an excellent job acting his part. You are both upset at and understanding of the father. His choice to stay in his house is probably the best decision, and hardest decision. It requires a very strong person, who can watch their children be scarred but can remind themselves that in the end, the other choice would scar his children even more so. The mother sums it up when she says to her husband, "I would like to be like you, but I am not." The cinematography is excellent, because it is not excellent. The low budget look of the film lends to the reality of the situation. It reminds one that, though the story is "fiction", this story has happened. An excellent, intriguing, thought provoking, film. Everyone plays their part to the fullest.
AD
