Amreeka

Name: Amreeka
Genre: Drama
Released: September 4, 2009
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 73

2009

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 24 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Ratings

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Amreeka

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Movie Details & Credits

Imagenation Abu Dhabi FZ | Release Date: September 4, 2009 | PG-13

Summary: Amreeka chronicles the adventures of Muna, a single mother who leaves the West Bank with Fadi, her teenage son, with dreams of an exciting future in the promised land of small town Illinois. In America, as her son navigates high school hallways the way he used to move through military checkpoints, the indomitable Muna scrambles together aAmreeka chronicles the adventures of Muna, a single mother who leaves the West Bank with Fadi, her teenage son, with dreams of an exciting future in the promised land of small town Illinois. In America, as her son navigates high school hallways the way he used to move through military checkpoints, the indomitable Muna scrambles together a new life cooking up falafel burgers as well as hamburgers at the local White Castle. (National Geographic Cinema Ventures)… Expand

Director: Cherien Dabis

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 96 min

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Critic Reviews

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Amreeka is strategically inviting and carefully mild even when making unsubtle points about Palestinian suffering and American insensitivity. Read full review

Roger Ebert

A heartwarming film, not a political dirge. Much of this warmth comes from the actress Nisreen Faour. Read full review

Rob Nelson

A culture-clash dramedy whose background in Middle-East conflict is leavened with vibrant energy, balanced politics and droll humor by first-time feature director Cherien Dabis. Read full review

Mike Scott

Only one of a number of recent immigrant tales to hit theaters, but with its blend of sweet humor and topical relevance, it's one of the more compelling -- and surprising -- in some time. Read full review

Wesley Morris

It’s one of the richer movies you’re likely to see about average Arabs in America. Read full review

Joanne Kaufman

Writer-director Cherien Dabis shot Amreeka in a gritty documentary style that reflects the often grim reality of the characters' situation. But he also knows how to mine the comic situations that are often part of the immigrant experience. Read full review

Joe Neumaier

Faour and Muallen give solid performances, but there are a few too many by-the-numbers moments. Read full review

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MovieReviews

Apr 10, 2014

"Amreeka", Cherien Dabis directorial debut, has fantastic story, strong heroine and strong messages. It is really unbiased to neither Palestinian's nor Americans, but instead shows the contrast and the difference between both traditions, which is really bold. Moreover, it never feels to keep"Amreeka", Cherien Dabis directorial debut, has fantastic story, strong heroine and strong messages. It is really unbiased to neither Palestinian's nor Americans, but instead shows the contrast and the difference between both traditions, which is really bold. Moreover, it never feels to keep you interested in the character development, in which all characters live in a stereotypical country. "Amreeka" is a heart warming experience, filled with Superb performances and a great laughs. It is not that easy a film earns a full rating, this one actually does!… Expand

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Mari

Sep 8, 2009

Amreeka is genius not only because it offers the viewer a glimpse into the real life struggle of immigrants attempting to make in America, but also because it provides the necessary elements to draw the viewer in and entertain them- no matter what their background may be. Dealing with very Amreeka is genius not only because it offers the viewer a glimpse into the real life struggle of immigrants attempting to make in America, but also because it provides the necessary elements to draw the viewer in and entertain them- no matter what their background may be. Dealing with very serious elements such as the aftermath of the invasion of Iraq and the conflicts in the middle east is no easy task, but Cherien Dabis was able to do so in an optimistic and honest manner. Showing the reality of the human condition in a very humorous and real way. Yes, I was left with a better understanding of Arab-Americans and their struggles. But more importantly I was entertained and moved by the strong ensemble of characters and humbled by their struggle. At the end of it all, I felt that the film educated me, and thoroughly entertained me. I would highly recommend this to everyone.… Expand

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NickJ.

Sep 10, 2009

A movie that beautifully captures how a woman and her family survive two harsh, cruel worlds. Hiam Abass is marvelous as Muna's homesick and cynical sister. This movie misses out on being a truly great film only by a tiny little bit. A brave film in this day and age. Bravo!

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BobW.

Jan 18, 2010

Very subtle yet well made movie. Lead actress Nisreen Faour is very likable and performs admirably.

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EdwardK.

Nov 4, 2009

Amreeka is an insightful view into the life of immigrants to America. It is short on plot, and nothing really gets resolved, but the characters are interesting and the performances are convincing.

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nutterjr

Sep 25, 2010

Dabis is lucky to have such a wonderful cast on the debut film as director But this story about post 9/11 xenophobic America feels patchy at times and does not avoid the trap of introducing Hollywood-esque feel-good moments in an otherwise strong drama.

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