Hala

This is one of the most accurate portrayals of high school life I've ever seen in a film. On top of that, the characters are seriously compelling and the story is quite moving. I'd say it successfully accomplishes everything is set out to do.

What are they trying do making this kind of movie? THERE IS NO DAMN SENSE in this whole movie. There is no reality to this and the irony is, hala is not even portrayed by a real muslim actor. Just utterly ridiculous, terrible, horrible, you name it. Please save yourself some time and brain cells and skip this one.

All the actors are good, especially the lead actor and her mom. Music is brilliant.

The film is not particularly original. It tells the story of adolescence, first infatuation, conservative family, hypocrisy and slow maturation to gradual emancipation.

The film's biggest drawback is the extremely slow pace. For some viewers it may be too boring.

The film's greatest advantages include many quotes from poetry that perfectly illustrate the emotional state of more sensitive teenagers. There are also a few surprises in the film because many things are different than they seem at first. Some characters tell stories from the past, but each tells them differently. Maybe they are lying, maybe they remember their own truth.

The film is not bad (but not outstanding), but if you don't like slow pace and poetry then definitely avoid it.

The acting was well done but I was disappointed once again at yet another movie that tries to make Islam look oppressive and the Western way liberated. Can anyone make a decent film that doesn't portray this stereotype? Still waiting........