‘Palestine ’36’ Review – An Eye-Opening, Essential, And Unforgettable Experience

Logline: In 1936, as the British Empire tightens its grip on Palestine, Yusuf is caught between his village home and his work in Jerusalem. Amidst an anti-colonial revolt, and Jewish refugees fleeing persecution from Europe, all sides converge in a decisive moment for the entire region.

Perspective is endlessly interesting. Things rarely align when you’re determined to see things solely from your point of view. It’s especially intriguing when you ponder how most believe they’re the hero of their own story. Or what’s worse, when those who know they’re the villain yet try to convince everyone they’re not even the hero, but the victim. While conversations should be had and empathy shown, a clear-headed, unbiased examination of all sides must be conducted. History is history, and facts are facts. Don’t accept lies.

“Give me your papers.”

When we say that we must study and learn history in the hopes that it doesn’t repeat itself, Palestine ’36 should be required viewing. Written and directed by Annemarie Jacir, Palestine ’36 is an eye-opening, essential, and unforgettable experience. This film is critical nourishment for a vital understanding of an ever-evolving and seemingly endless conflict that continues today. Heightened by its relevance and solidified by its execution, the emotional weight could flatten a truck as the unfolding events will infuriate and inspire. Providing a glimpse into a past that profoundly shaped the future, this transformational journey is a revolt against colonization, natives versus foreigners, and ultimately, good versus evil.

Transporting us back to 1936 Palestine, this period piece shows us the bad, the ugly, and the inhumane. Through the eyes of a young man named Yusuf and his fellow Palestinian villagers, we witness the beginning of what will eventually become never-ending dissension as the unwelcome British Empire relocates persecuted Jewish people onto land that is taken by force. Moreover, as Yusuf travels daily to work in Jerusalem, he becomes very aware that all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk. As those with money and influence exploit and manipulate, this turbulent story begins to feel universal to anyone and everyone outside of the wealthy and ruling class.

With the comforts of city luxuries calling his name while simultaneously being needed by his village, the perspectives converge for the young villager by way of rage and righteousness. With their rights being infringed upon, land being snatched, and violence becoming a daily fear, difficult truths are facilitated. And despite one’s personal feelings and a skewed modern-day lens, Palestine ’36 elicits potent compassion and fervent frustration. Plainly presenting the actions that took place, the film often presents itself, in the best way possible, as if made for the History Channel. The intention isn’t to sway you with rhetoric or ideology; instead, it only wants the truth on full display and never forgotten. More prominently, it’s a powerful megaphone for the vilified and underrepresented, screaming for acknowledgement and humanization.

“Long live the revolt!”

While what is unfolding is terrible and terrifying, the film finds a way to convey it all without resorting to gore or overly violent scenes. Highlighting various inequities and failures in diplomacy, it tiptoes around being a political thriller. With characters that are easy to love and have proper disdain for, this is a great ensemble cast. Additionally, I do have some beef with Yusuf’s actions at the beginning, but he does eventually redeem himself. Being the only film shot in Palestine in the past two years, it’s as authentic as it gets. Its tone is tense and moody, and the themes of family and duty are extremely prevalent. What it lacks in action or one-shot monologues, it more than makes up for it with heart, thoughtful crafting, and care for the subject matter. This feature represents the indomitable fighting spirit of a people, the inextinguishable ember. Its rewatchability is medium-high.

Pace & Pop

Unlike many period pieces, this film unfolds at a pace similar to a political thriller. Conflict rises at every turn as tension grows ever thicker, and that suspense is easily felt. What really pops is seeing this situation play out. While aspects of this topic have been widely discussed over the past few years, visually putting yourself in the shoes of those being affected hits harder than words.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Hiam Abbass, Saleh Bakri, Dafer L’Abidine, Yafa Bakri, Wardi Eilabouni, Yasmine Al Massri, Billy Howle, Liam Cunningham, Robert Aramayo, and Jeremy Irons

This is a truly impressive ensemble performance, especially given that four roles are debuts. Most of the cast deliver powerful, thoughtful, and heartwrenching presentations, while others may just enrage you, and rightfully so. While the writing and direction are the gas and lantern, it’s the grounded execution from the actors that is the spark that allows it to burn bright.

Palestine ’36 was released in New York on March 20, 2026. Additionally, it will hit theaters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and DC on March 27 with a national rollout on April 3rd. Stay safe and stay woke.

Runtime: 1h 59m Languages: Arabic, English Director: Annemarie Jacir Writer: Annemarie Jacir Producer: Ossama Bawardi Executive Producers: Mohannad Malas, Mohammad Khair Al Zaibak, Ama Ampadu, Kristin Irving, Lizzie Francke, Ahmed Al Baker, Luca Bercovici, Hussein Fakhri, Michel Sayegh and Fares Sayegh, Isam Salfiti, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Hanaa Issa, Suha Shoman, Sawsan Asfari, Abed Awad, Amanda Turnbull, Ziad Srouji, Alaa Karkouti, Malik Ali and Badie Ali, Naim Jadue, Khalil Khaled Miqdadi, Abdallah Turki, Muhammed Alhamoud, Sama Haddad, Tufik Assad and Naila Assad, Roula Kamhawi and Robert Burtoft, Ali Kalthami, Frank Barat, Khalid Haddad, Zahi Khouri, Basil Qunibi, Maher Diab, Morten Lundin, Tim Smith, Tom Harberd, Philip Burgin, Richard Kondal, Dasha Sherman Cinematographer: Hélène Louvart, Sarah Blum, Tim Fleming Editor: Tania Reddin Production Designer: Nael Kanj Costume Designer: Hamada Atallah Sound: Rawad Hobeika, Bruno Tarriere, Samuel Mittelman Original Score: Ben Frost