Movie Review: Amreeka

Amreeka is a little movie with a big heartfelt story about optimism, pride and hope in the face of hardship, ignorance and prejudice. It's the story of a divorced Palestinian woman (Muna) and her decision to immigrate to the United States with her teenage son (Fadi), hoping for a better life. She leaves her hectic life in the war-ravaged West Bank with it's dirty over crowded streets and humiliating Israeli check points, to come to the U.S. Unfortunately, life here isn't exactly a bed of roses. In addition to all of the usual problems adjusting to a new culture, U.S. forces have just invaded Iraq and racism against Middle Easterners is at an all-time high. As soon as they arrive, they experience treatment from a customs officer that is uncomfortably similar to the abuse they endure at the hands of Israeli's. Muna, a bank executive back home, finds herself flipping burgers at White Castle. Fadi, smart and actually more mature and better educated then his American counterparts, is constantly harassed. The movie goes back and forth between her struggles and Fadi's. With little exposition and excellent acting, the movie tells a real story that will stick with you long after you get home. Find a movie theater where it's playing. Don't miss it.
p.s. Writer-director Cherien Dabis has first hand experience with the prejudice and harassment that comes with being an Arab in the United States. The Secret Service came to her high school to investigate rumors that her 17 year old sister was involved in a plot to kill the president. Ugh.