Saf A

It is a new updated version of a classic romantic plot of a rich guy falling for working class girl. What's refreshing, though is the comedy and more focused on middle class female protagonist and her friends struggle in their relationships and work. The whole issue with rich Arab Prince is bit exaggerated because even though its a stereo type it is based in reality and I say this from experience. I respect Arab culture and Arab audiences but there is a long track record of poorly behaved Arab royalties when on holiday abroad. This a case of I can trash talk my monarch but I will jump any non native who does that. The fact the actor playing the role is Indian made it worse as few arab countries discriminate against indian migrant workers.There is an element of national pride and Arabs being sick of being stereo typed as either terrorist or spoiled rich men. Its a bit like Koreans with Samsung, they trash talk them for their really bad behaviour but the minute a non Korean says something they get defensive.

On the face of it Unlocked is suppose to be a suspenseful thriller about an average girl's life being turned upside down by a tech savvy stalker. It all started with a lost phone after a drunken night out. My issue is this movie is trying hard to be a top notch Korean thriller by exploring new fresh topic but it does it in such manner it feels calculated and generic it doesn't feel genuine. This movie is missing the gutsiness and the genuine unpredictability which is why western viewers revere this genre. I usually would blame the director for not committing to stalker story entirely and side tracking us and wasting time on the serial killer angle, However, I think it is a Netflix issue. Netflix does produce amazing Korean dramas when collaborating with local Korean producers/ tv channels but when they try to do it on their own they always end up messing up the most attractive fresh new ideas like Carter and Seoul vibes.

You will come out with better understanding of what " Al Naqba" means to Palestinians displaced, colonised, and robbed from the right to exist since 1948. All these heavy complicated terms used in history book and news bulletin to explain the Palestinian struggle are simplified here; The movie shows you the story of Farha a 16 y village girl trying to convince her dad of sending her to a girls school in the city instead of following the societal norms and marrying her off. Her dream is with in reach but her world suddenly is shattered and Farha is shell-shocked trying to survive the un thinkable. Delicately made movie which makes bare witness to Farha's trauma without explicitly showing you any graphic scenes...yet you feel it all. Great use of setting , audio/sound effects and lightning to make you feel trapped and cornered like the lead.

Nicely made action flick. Doesn't take itself seriously, humorous and full of close combat scenes Indonesian movies are known for. It reminds me a bit of When the Night Comes for Us but with more humour and colourful distinct characters. I suspect the makers left one thread of the story open ready for the possibility of sequel if it does well. Intrigued to see where they can take the story next.