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Between Heaven and Earth

Name: Between Heaven and Earth
Director: Najwa Najjar
Released: 2019
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2019

Director

Najwa Najjar

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Najwa Najjar’s film is a sophisticated exploration of the Palestinian experience, successfully deconstructing colonial power dynamics. It excels by centering the role of a underrepresented population through a non-Western lens. The strength of the work lies in its multi-layered approach, showing how political occupation and social hierarchies overlap. By focusing on a female protagonist's psychological and social landscape, the film elevates her resilience over domestic clichés. However, the film remains limited by its narrow focus on traditional social structures. It does not engage with LGBTQ+ narratives or disability-specific themes, reflecting the specific cultural setting of the story.

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Category Breakdown

Does Between Heaven and Earth have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional familial and romantic structures within the Palestinian territories. There are no depictions of LGBTQ+ narratives or non-binary gender identities.

How does Between Heaven and Earth portray gender?

Good

The narrative disrupts traditional hierarchies by centering the female protagonist's role and intellect. She navigates both patriarchal expectations and military occupation to pursue her own autonomy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Between Heaven and Earth?

Excellent

A predominantly Palestinian cast provides an authentic portrayal of ethnic identity. The film uses physical barriers like checkpoints to critique the systemic restrictions placed on a colonized people.

How does Between Heaven and Earth represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story operates through a post-colonial framework that critiques Western-aligned geopolitical structures. It prioritizes the subjective morality and self-determination of the occupied population.

Does Between Heaven and Earth include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that serve as central drivers for the plot.

Present on Screen

Authentic portrayal of Palestinian ethnic identity through a non-Western lens.
Strong female protagonist who challenges both patriarchal and military constraints.
Effective use of geopolitical barriers as metaphors for systemic identity restrictions.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary gender narratives.
Absence of characters or plotlines addressing visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Salma and Tamer have been married for 5 years in the Palestinian territories. The first time Tamer is given permission to cross the Israeli checkpoint is to file for divorce. In court, they make a shocking discovery about Tamer's father's past.

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