March 24, 2026
FILM: PALESTINE 36
DIRECTED BY: ANNEMARIE JACIR
STARRING: SAM HOARE, JEREMY IRONS, HIAM ABBASS
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
The title of this film refers to a pivotal year in Palestine when rebels began to stand up to the British, its rule over the people, and its land. Directed by Annemarie Jacir, who was born in Bethlehem, Palestine, this excellent film provides a perspective by the Palestinian people that is rarely heard in the west. It’s powerful, sad, and deeply moving.
In 1936, Palestine was being ruled by the British. During one of the opening scenes, Jeremy Irons plays a high commissioner from Britain who is announcing the start of radio in Palestine which will “spread knowledge and culture.” It’s a telling speech because it assumes the Palestinians are not educated or do not have a sense of culture already. There is a distinction between villagers and those that live in the large city of Jerusalem. The Brits are bringing Jews to the country, taking away jobs from the locals, and paying them more for their work. This leads to a revolt by many of the villagers who feel this and the land being taken from them Is destroying their independence and freedom. Of course, we know that much of the land will later become Israel. However, the film isn’t trying to implicate the Jews rather it is the British that are the targets of their anger and unflinching drive towards a battle.
Throughout the film we see the building of anger and resentments on both sides though. Jacir illustrates the buying up, stealing, and destroying of the villagers’ land by the Brits. Much later the press is cut off, borders are sealed, and phone lines to nearby countries are severed. The Brits, on the other hand, are more deeply affected when the Palestinians fight back and kill some of their soldiers. It’s hard to blame the Palestinians given what is happening to their home land though. The British soldiers, especially Billy Howle as Thomas, come across as unwavering and unrelenting in their own mission and generally are portrayed as pretty racist. There is one scene though when a few of the Brits play a casual game of soccer with some of the local boys, suggesting that they do have some common interests if only they could learn to really see them.
What makes the film so heart wrenching is that we get to know many of the villagers and their family members. Some are taken away or separated from their loved ones while their homes are destroyed. It’s hard not to feel for them as we’ve seen how connected they are to each other and are depicted as fully rounded, committed, and faithful characters.
Also of note is the role of women in the culture. Some are strong field workers and fighters for what they rightfully believe is theirs. One, Khouloud, played by a very good Vasmine Al Massri is a journalist living with her writer husband. They are both part of high society in Jerusalem. Khouloud is a very tough character who wants the truth and feels strongly against what Britain is doing to Palestine at large.
Another interesting character is British Diplomat Charles, played by Sam Hoare. He finds himself to be the middle man and bearer of news to the Palestinians. He even has a connection to Khouloud and reveals details about what the Brits are doing even if it could jeopardize his own career and safety.
The later portions of the film are particularly hard to watch as the battle between the Brits and the rebels becomes increasingly harsh and destructive. Still, the entire story is worth following through to its end for the attention to detail, its character depictions, and how the history of the region unfolds. It provides a good understanding of the roots of today’s conflicts between Israel and Palestine.
Palestine 36 played at the Chicago International Film Festival this past Fall. It opens this week very limited theatrical release including the Uprising Theater in Chicago, AMC River East 21, AMC Quarry 14, and AMC Village Crossing 18.
FILM: PALESTINE 36
DIRECTED BY: ANNEMARIE JACIR
STARRING: SAM HOARE, JEREMY IRONS, HIAM ABBASS
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
The title of this film refers to a pivotal year in Palestine when rebels began to stand up to the British, its rule over the people, and its land. Directed by Annemarie Jacir, who was born in Bethlehem, Palestine, this excellent film provides a perspective by the Palestinian people that is rarely heard in the west. It’s powerful, sad, and deeply moving.
In 1936, Palestine was being ruled by the British. During one of the opening scenes, Jeremy Irons plays a high commissioner from Britain who is announcing the start of radio in Palestine which will “spread knowledge and culture.” It’s a telling speech because it assumes the Palestinians are not educated or do not have a sense of culture already. There is a distinction between villagers and those that live in the large city of Jerusalem. The Brits are bringing Jews to the country, taking away jobs from the locals, and paying them more for their work. This leads to a revolt by many of the villagers who feel this and the land being taken from them Is destroying their independence and freedom. Of course, we know that much of the land will later become Israel. However, the film isn’t trying to implicate the Jews rather it is the British that are the targets of their anger and unflinching drive towards a battle.
Throughout the film we see the building of anger and resentments on both sides though. Jacir illustrates the buying up, stealing, and destroying of the villagers’ land by the Brits. Much later the press is cut off, borders are sealed, and phone lines to nearby countries are severed. The Brits, on the other hand, are more deeply affected when the Palestinians fight back and kill some of their soldiers. It’s hard to blame the Palestinians given what is happening to their home land though. The British soldiers, especially Billy Howle as Thomas, come across as unwavering and unrelenting in their own mission and generally are portrayed as pretty racist. There is one scene though when a few of the Brits play a casual game of soccer with some of the local boys, suggesting that they do have some common interests if only they could learn to really see them.
What makes the film so heart wrenching is that we get to know many of the villagers and their family members. Some are taken away or separated from their loved ones while their homes are destroyed. It’s hard not to feel for them as we’ve seen how connected they are to each other and are depicted as fully rounded, committed, and faithful characters.
Also of note is the role of women in the culture. Some are strong field workers and fighters for what they rightfully believe is theirs. One, Khouloud, played by a very good Vasmine Al Massri is a journalist living with her writer husband. They are both part of high society in Jerusalem. Khouloud is a very tough character who wants the truth and feels strongly against what Britain is doing to Palestine at large.
Another interesting character is British Diplomat Charles, played by Sam Hoare. He finds himself to be the middle man and bearer of news to the Palestinians. He even has a connection to Khouloud and reveals details about what the Brits are doing even if it could jeopardize his own career and safety.
The later portions of the film are particularly hard to watch as the battle between the Brits and the rebels becomes increasingly harsh and destructive. Still, the entire story is worth following through to its end for the attention to detail, its character depictions, and how the history of the region unfolds. It provides a good understanding of the roots of today’s conflicts between Israel and Palestine.
Palestine 36 played at the Chicago International Film Festival this past Fall. It opens this week very limited theatrical release including the Uprising Theater in Chicago, AMC River East 21, AMC Quarry 14, and AMC Village Crossing 18.