Jacir

If you love movies based on great, real-life stories then this one is for you. Based in the grit and grind city of Memphis, it will challenge what you think about immigration and the obstacles migrants have to overcome when seeking legal citizenship. Masterfully written and presented by Waheed AlQawasmi, it will rival any big budget studio offering. Best of all, it will make you think, cry, laugh out loud and leave you wanting to know more about what happens to Jacir. The original soundtrack, sourced entirely by the Director, Al Kapone and Boo Mitchell, is strongly influenced by rap and the delta blues.

The soundtrak deserves a life of its own! Great performances by Lorraine Bracco, Malek Rahbani and Tutweezy.

This movie showcases the hardships and challenges that is an unfortunate reality in America. It was heartbreaking and inspiring and hopeful all in one.

Malek's performance demands the audience's appraisal as he navigates various emotional aspects of his role. He perfectly adapted his performance to the character himself which communicated seamlessly with the plot.

Additionally, while having some heartbreaking aspects, the idea of a found-family formed among the characters of Jacir and Meryl, and of course Jerome, brings a warming turn to the story.

(Side note, growing up with poor Middle Eastern representation in media makes this movie feel all the more rewarding) GO WATCH JACIR.

This is a beautifully narrated film and incredibly well acted by an extraordinary cast. Jacir is the emotionally charged story of a Syrian immigrant in Memphis, Tennessee living through a personal crisis of loss due to war. He is at the roots of a new life in the West, where he is met with the reality which at times means cruel rejection, frustrating loneliness, and corrupt social fragility. Jacir, though, chooses to live with authenticity, inspiring self-confidence and tremendous courage. Malek Rahbani boldly and outstandingly shines in his debut film, portraying an unforgettable and emotionally articulate Jacir. A film for everyone to watch, with it's soul-searching themes and as a great reminder of our own need for deep and real human connection.

The movie is centered around a Syrian refugee named Jacir living in Memphis, Tennessee trying to learn English and adapt to an American lifestyle. During his journey he faces racism, discrimination, poverty, drug use and the constant looming threat of deportation. This movie is a realistic and raw depiction of what the American dream can look like for anyone impoverished struggling to get by.

I love the how raw and real this movie feels at times especially when dealing with topics like race, the complexity of racism and poverty. Tut Weezy did an amazing job here for his acting debut can't wait to see more from him in the future, the only things I disliked where the music selection(Tut Weezy has more popular songs they could have used) writing/pacing towards the middle and end of movie starts to feel like it's in a rush to wrap things up. They're a few plot holes because of this and off screen conflicts that somehow resolved themselves along with the fact we never learn much about Jacir's past and why he feels so compelled to help Meryl still defiantly worth a watch.

It is RARE to be moved by a movie to this degree! I had to go see it twice!

Malek Rahbani has achieved such a phenomenal performance, every single scene, we are right there with Jacir. The struggles, the identity he never loses, identity of his culture of origin where he meets friends and hopes, obstacles, but always so sincere, raw and pure!

Lorraine Braco plays such an epic, tragic character, and the dynamic between the protagonists is absolutely riveting. This movie has created a modern version of visual poetry, combining the complexity of the layers of culture and subcultures with incredible actors. A masterpiece brilliantly executed!