SummaryGaza. Synonymous to so many with conflict, destruction and despair but to Mohammed Assaf, and his sister Nour, Gaza is their home and their playground. It’s where they, along with their best friends Ahmad and Omar, play music, football and dare to dream big. Their band might play on second hand, beaten up instruments but their ambitions are sky-... Read More
Directed By:Hany Abu-Assad
Written By:Hany Abu-Assad, Sameh Zoabi
The Idol
Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
61% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
39% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Oct 18, 2016
100
The Idol, a feel-good film about a Palestinian boy’s improbable ascent to pop stardom, takes place mostly in Gaza, a place not associated with feeling good. But out of the war rubble emerges one of the most irresistible movies of the year.
Mar 11, 2016
80
If in the past Abu-Assad’s movies could be criticised for stridency, The Idol finds him sacrificing none of his thematic drive while locating a more humanistic, inspirational tone.
May 26, 2016
70
Mr. Abu-Assad’s pop filmmaking is resolutely simple in its approach and efficiently sentimental.
Jun 2, 2016
63
Like its protagonist, The Idol finds a sense of identity, hope and pride within a landscape of grim dispossession and fatalism.
Aug 9, 2016
60
If you’re a fan of the classic streets-to-stardom formula, this is a solid rendition.
Jun 1, 2016
58
Just how seemingly uncomfortable the film feels in truly inhabiting the musical and inspirational biopic genres is tipped off by the often desolate images.
May 25, 2016
50
Often impeded by ham-fisted, inspirational dialogue, The Idol is not likely to earn Assaf more worldwide admirers, but for those who are already in his fan club, this film will be received like a bonus gift.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
75% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
25% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Nov 22, 2021
8
I thought this was an interesting story, although it can be said that some elements weren't entirely original, as far as there being other films about similar stories, although I believe its based on a true story, so you can't really say its not at all realistic from that point of view!. The children were nice characters, I found myself hoping for the best for them and there are some tense and emotional moments - I thought Mohammed had a great voice and I very much enjoyed listening to the (Arabic style) songs. Perhaps it is a bit unoriginal but it has elements/themes of hope and perserverance which are admirable and overall I enjoyed watching the film, so I'd recommend it on that basis.
Production Company:
- Cactus World Films
- Fortress Film Clinic
- Full Moon Productions
- Idol Film Production
- KeyFilm
- Mezza Terra Media
- September Film
- The Imaginarium Films
Release Date:May 27, 2016
Duration:1 h 40 m
Awards
Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
International Film Festival Rotterdam
• 2 Nominations
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
