‘The Syrian Bride' a 2004 comedy drama film, is a take on the Arab – Israeli conflict through the eyes of a Druze family settled in the UNDOF zone of Majdal Shams, a Druze village in Golan Heights on the Israeli – Syrian border. All events that take place in the movie are a result of a cross – border wedding that is about to take place. For the purpose of this wedding, political permissions need to be sought and a family is united. Through these events the movie tackles the broad themes of political turmoil, its effect on personal lives, the patriarchal nature of society and the issues of feminism in a well – balanced and gripping manner.
While Mona, the Syrian Bride, is the protagonist, the storyline is much more than just about her wedding, which is what differentiates it from the main – stream wedding dramas. Her character plays a primary role in tying together the major themes of the film that are depicted through the films many sub – plots and characters. Each member of her highly dysfunctional family has an important role to play in tying together the broad themes that make up the storyline of the movie. Mona, the protagonist is all set to marry a Syrian actor. Her sister Amal is a free – spirited woman stuck in an unhappy marriage with her conservative husband. Her elder brother, Hattem, has been abandoned for marrying a Russian woman. Her other brother, Marwan has the reputation of being a womanizer, but is not shunned by society in spite of his acts. Her father is an Israeli – prisoner let out on bail and her mother is modest and compliant, yet subtly pro – feminism.
[...] An important character in the film is the protagonist's sister Amal, whose role contributes to multiple themes highlighted in the film, the most important being the issue of male dominance and female subjugation. In spite of her rebellious nature and modern outlook she faces severe obstacles from her husband when it comes to following her dreams, determining her life's path or even advising her daughter to not succumb to familial pressures. Her husband, obviously disgruntled by her bold personality is shown to be most worried about his stature in their patriarchal society for being unable to control his wife. [...]
[...] In spite of her silent demeanour, when she greats her abandoned son Hattem's wife and children, it gives the viewer a feeling that she does stand for what she believes in, though in a silent non rebellious way. It is also interesting to note that though she embraces her daughter in law and grandchildren, her gesture goes unnoticed as she belongs to the weaker gender whose actions are not to be made note of and followed. While she does not rebel against her husband, she does not hesitate to stand up for her daughter in law against other women. [...]
[...] On the whole her character portrayal as a women of great strengths is an inspiration to all Islamic women who are subjected to male dominance. Towards the end of the film, one gains a fair idea of the magnitude to which prejudices against women is deeply ingrained in Islamic culture. Each characters' part plays a role in reminding the audience of the subjugated lives led by Islamic women owing to the highly patriarchal and male - oriented nature of society. [...]
[...] Film analysis: The Syrian Bride Syrian Bride' a 2004 comedy drama film, is a take on the Arab Israeli conflict through the eyes of a Druze family settled in the UNDOF zone of Majdal Shams, a Druze village in Golan Heights on the Israeli Syrian border. All events that take place in the movie are a result of a cross border wedding that is about to take place. For the purpose of this wedding, political permissions need to be sought and a family is united. [...]
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