Amira
Amira

Movie spotlight

Amira

2021
Movie
98 min
Arabic

Amira, a 17 year old Palestinian, was conceived with the smuggled sperm of her imprisoned father, Nawar. Although their relationship since birth has been restricted to prison visits, he remains her hero. His absence in her life is overcompensated with love and affection from those surrounding her. But when a failed attempt to conceive another child reveals Nawar's infertility, Amira's world turns upside down.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Director: Mohamed DiabGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In 2011, Amira, a 17-year-old Palestinian living in the West Bank, discovers a life-altering secret about her identity. Her father, Nabeel, a political prisoner in an Israeli jail, had used his prison visits to arrange for Amira's conception using his stored sperm. However, a new bone marrow disease diagnosis for Nabeel reveals that he is sterile and cannot have biological children, meaning Amira's biological father is not Nabeel. This shattering revelation forces Amira to confront her sense of self and her family's complex history amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Critical Reception

Amira received a mixed reception from critics. While many praised its sensitive portrayal of a complex socio-political issue and the strong performances, particularly from Tara Abboud, some found the narrative to be overly melodramatic and predictable. The film was commended for bringing attention to the realities faced by families affected by the Israeli occupation and the challenges of the sperm-retrieval program.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its timely and relevant subject matter concerning Palestinian identity.

  • Commended for Tara Abboud's compelling central performance.

  • Criticized by some for its melodramatic tone and predictable plot developments.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Amira' on Google is not readily available, but critical reviews suggest a divided audience, with some appreciating its emotional depth and others finding it less impactful.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Mohamed Diab, is also known for directing the Marvel series 'Moon Knight'.

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