Cast
View AllNisreen Faour
as Muna Farah
Melkar Muallem
as Fadi Farah
Hiam Abbass
as Raghda Halaby
Alia Shawkat
as Salma Halaby
Jenna Kawar
as Rana Halaby
Joseph Ziegler
as Stan Novatski
Yussuf Abu-Warda
as Nabeel Halaby
Selena Haddad
as Lamis Halaby
Amer Hlehel
as Samer
Suheila Muallem
as Jamie
Brodie Sanderson
as Matt
Andrew Sannie
as James
Daniel Boiteau
as Mike
Jeff Button
as Jason
Miriam Smith
as Bank Employee
Crew
Director
- Cherien Dabis
Writer
- Cherien Dabis
Producer
- Christina Piovesan
- Zain Al-Sabah
- Liz Jarvis
- Paul Barkin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Amreeka examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Cherien Dabis brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Amreeka took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Amreeka shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Barren Lives, which focuses more on action than character development, Amreeka subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sleepless in Seattle and Yoghurt explore similar territory, Amreeka stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 17, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Revenue: $2,176,304
