Ajami

Watch Ajami

  • NR
  • 2009
  • 2 hr
  • 7.3  (6,499)
  • 82

Ajami is a powerful Israeli drama movie released in 2009 that depicts the intersection of Jewish and Arab populations living in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Ajami, in Jaffa, Israel. The film is directed by two directors, Yaron Shani and Scandar Copti, and features a combination of professional and non-professional actors. The movie is character-driven, with multiple storylines that intersect with each other, and are presented in a non-linear fashion. The film focuses on various characters, mostly young men, who navigate a web of violence, crime, and religious tensions, highlighting each character's perspective and their personal struggles in the diverse cultural landscape of Ajami.

The film depicts a rich tapestry of Jewish and Arab cultures coexisting, but also interweaves themes of fear, mistrust, and violence that come with the political and ethnic conflicts that surround the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The movie successfully portrays the complexities of the relationships between the different communities in Ajami and how their actions are defined by their social context.

Ajami has a raw, documentary-style aesthetic that places the viewers at the center of the action. The film's atmosphere is intense, and the story is driven by the characters, who are relatable and flawed. Some of the film's protagonists are teenagers and children, who are pulled into a complicated network of criminal activities.

One of the characters, Omar (played by Fouad Habash), is a young man who is trying to escape the cycle of violence and oppression but gets pulled back into the criminal underworld to support his family. Omar's storyline is intertwined with Binj (played by Nisrin Siksik), a Christian girl who works as a dishwasher in a restaurant, and they build a romantic relationship in the midst of the cultural conflicts that surround them.

Another storyline follows Malek (played by Ibrahim Frege), a young Palestinian student, who is trying to raise money for his mother's surgery by working in a restaurant. Malek's storyline addresses issues of deep-rooted poverty, frustration, and helplessness, leading to situations that escalate and devolve into tragic consequences.

The film also highlights the similarities between the communities, including shared motives, common goals, and the ability to find common ground despite their cultural differences. The film's non-linear structure is a reminder that many of the conflicts between Palestinian and Israelis are cyclical and can take a life of their own.

Through its many overlapping narratives and deep characterisations, Ajami presents a nuanced and realistic portrayal of the tensions that exist between Israel's Jewish and Arab populations, which are amplified by the larger political situation in the region. It's a film that makes the audience think and feel, leaving an indelible impression on the viewer long after the film has ended.

Overall, Ajami is an unflinching and powerful portrayal of life in the Ajami neighbourhood in Jaffa, Israel, and succeeds in capturing the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from individual perspectives. The film is well made with an excellent script and finely tuned performances from its talented cast, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Israeli cinema, world cinema or impactful human stories.

Ajami is a 2009 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 82.

Ajami
Description
Where to Watch Ajami
Ajami is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download, buy and rent on demand at Vudu, Google Play and YouTube VOD. Some platforms allow you to rent Ajami for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2009
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (6,499)
  • Metascore
    82
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