Few movies capture the audacious spirit of youth mixed with the gritty reality of life like Bekas. Directed by Karzan Kader, this 2012 film is set in the early 1990s in Iraqi Kurdistan. The story revolves around two orphaned brothers, Zana and Dana, who embark on a wild adventure to America after catching a glimpse of their dreamland in a cinema screening of Superman. Their journey, driven by an unyielding belief in dreams and courage, is as much about physical geography as it is about personal boundaries and destiny.
Starting with the burnt-out remains of their humble beginnings, these brothers dream bigger than most people dare, wanting to reach America by foot, if necessary. Now, here's where things get interesting. Everyone loves rooting for the underdog, right? But here’s the catch. Unlike the often portrayed 'perfect world' scenarios served up in various Hollywood portrayals, Bekas doesn’t just sugarcoat, it looks at life straight in the eye and gives it a wink.
Firstly, this film has a certain rawness that cuts through the noise of political correctness. The depiction of Kurdistan here isn’t about victimization but about resilience. It portrays hardship without pity parties, showing that despite unbearable conditions, there's something innately human about pursuing your dreams no matter where you start. Now, that’s a message that’s somehow controversial in today's world where we always hear that we are caged by our circumstances.
The brothers, Zana and Dana, may remind you of the mischievous energy of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn with a twist. Their courage is infectious, their antics, however naive, communicate more than textbook definitions of heroism. It’s a narrative that taps into the untamed spirit of youth—those who dare because they don't know they ‘can't.’ This is a reminder that sometimes knowledge and experience can serve as subtle forms of self-imposed limitations, something today's society sometimes forgets amid talks of systemic oppression and societal barriers.
Secondly, there's an unmissable sense of humor throughout the film that gets one thing right: life is challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t laugh about it. The film uses humor not as an escape but as a mirror, reflecting the absurdities of life and circumstances. Who needs a pity party when you can find a reason to laugh, right?
Oh, and let’s talk about the cinematography. While liberals might get caught up in the political nuances of representation, Bekas reminds us that sometimes a story is just a story, and a beautiful one at that. The landscapes of Kurdistan are vast and awe-inspiring, capturing the paradox of a world filled with beauty amid chaos. It grounds viewers in a reality that’s hard, chaotic, but ultimately beautiful.
Furthermore, Bekas skillfully balances the delicate tension between fantasy and reality. The indulgence of dreams with the starkness of their environment resonates with the reminder that dreams are worth having, no matter how impractical they may seem by conventional standards.
The narrative serves as a wake-up call to all who believe that dreams are reserved for those with resources or privilege. In conveying how big dreams come from the smallest places, the film embraces the classic notion of meritocracy, a concept often dismissed today. But Bekas refuses to lean into despair; it roars with the unyielding energy of belief and ambition that our world constantly requires more of.
Lastly, the essence of community and self-agency bleeds through every scene. These brothers understand that camaraderie and looking out for each other isn't just wise, it’s natural. Despite a prevailing narrative that suggests collective victimhood as the norm, Bekas heralds the idea that the bonds we share are more purposeful and impactful.
In summary, Bekas isn’t just a film—it's a statement. It’s a reminder that no matter the odds or the voices saying you can't, the heart of the young and the daring will always seek out pathways where others only see stumbling blocks. It gives us a compelling nudge to celebrate dreaming big, failing big, and to laugh in the face of adversity. So next time someone says life is about surviving oppressive systems, maybe offer them a viewing of Bekas and let the audacious spirit of two brothers whisper a little sense into their world.