The Palestinian film “Omar” was nominated for Best Foreign Language film, but I can’t help but feel that “Bethlehem” might be a little bit better. Both films deal with remarkably similar territory—-A Palestinian youth caught up in terror has to choose between betraying his “friends” and helping Israeli agents, and the endings are basically the same—-and both came out only months apart from each other, but I slightly prefer Bethlehem for fixing a lot of the problems Omar had in it. So, naturally, “Omar” is far more critically acclaimed.
What Works: “Omar” featured a “dilemma” that never really was because the lead was too strong and one-dimensional to be tempted by the Israeli agent’s offer. This film has a lead that believably could betray his brother/friends and has a deeper relationship between the agent and informant that feels more believable to how “human intelligence” actually works. Also, it doesn’t get bogged down in a romantic subplot (like Omar did) that swallows up half the movie in static scenes that add nothing.
What Doesn’t: I’m sure some will say it’s just a retread of Omar, and not be too impressed with the subtle differences. That is if they see it at all since many will feel like two movies this similar don’t deserve to both be seen.
What I Would Have Done Differently: Written this review about two months ago when people were still talking about both of these movies.