THE TEACHER - REVIEW

Director: Farah Nabulsi | Writer: Farah Nabulsi 

Cast: Saleh Bakri, Imogen Poots, Muhammad Abed Elrahman

“One of yours is equal to a thousand of mine.” 

Directed by Farah Nabulsi, The Teacher gives the audience a harrowing glimpse of life under occupation, their means of resistance and survival, and bonds that form as a result. The film delves into the intricate realities and challenging decisions Palestinians in the West Bank have to make as a result of systemic injustice and oppression that they face by the hands of the brutal occupation. Nabulsi describes the film as a “human drama in a political landscape” and a “story about characters that represent a severely marginalised and underrepresented people," stating that she "needed to make this film to cope with the injustice I've witnessed .”

The film explores the complex relationship between a teacher and a student who unexpectedly form a bond to cope with the loss of their loved one, to heal, and find peace. 

A grief-stricken teenager, Adam, played brilliantly by Muhammad Abed Elrahman, forms a unique bond with his teacher after witnessing the tragic loss of his brother by the occupation forces. His teacher, Basem, who is played by Saleh Bakri, thus becomes a father figure to him, bringing some hope to his life. 

Basem, on the other hand, has a complicated life as well. He is estranged from his wife, is troubled by his past, is grappling with his own loss, and has secrets he cannot divulge. 

In the backdrop of this is an IOF soldier, an Israeli American, who has been taken hostage by the resistance group for a hostage exchange. 

Saleh Bakri is outstanding as Basem, with a raw, restrained performance that masterfully depicts the conflict between being a father figure and part of an underground resistance movement. 

 With a stellar performance, Muhammad Abed Elrahman is another actor worth watching out for! He gives life to Adam with a brilliant performance, fiery eyes that convey his grief,and a body language that speaks volumes. The chemistry he shares with Basem is palpable on screen. 

This film is definitely not an easy watch. We see demolitions of Palestinian homes, settler violence, and atrocities committed by occupation forces. Yet it is poignant to witness it and be a part of this. The film explores Palestinian anger and grief in a way that is genuinely unsettling and painful to watch. It is an eye-opener for those who may not be aware of the everyday realities of the lives of the Palestinians. 

The entire film is shot in the occupied West Bank, Nablus in particular, which makes it even more genuine, pure, and true to heart. 

There are no heroes in the film, only resilient people who refuse to accept subjugation and abuse, who continue to fight for their rights, hoping for a brighter future for the next generation.