A Borrowed Identity 2015
Directed by
Eran Riklis
Made by
Strand Releasing
Plot Summary
Eyad, portrayed by Tawfeek Barhom, is a talented Palestinian teenager granted acceptance into a prestigious Israeli school. As his father, Ali Suliman, drives him to Jerusalem, he offers a heartfelt message, reminding Eyad that while the Palestinian people once yearned for victory over their Jewish adversaries, their current aim is to coexist with dignity.
Upon entering this new academic environment, Eyad faces significant challenges in adapting. His Israeli classmates derogatorily refer to him as “Ayid,” and many look down on him. However, everything shifts when he meets Naomi, played by Danielle Kitsis. Their bond begins when Eyad assists her with her chemistry studies, leading to frequent meetings at a local café.
In a parallel storyline, Eyad is paired with Yonatan, portrayed by Michael Moshonov, a disabled Israeli teen. Both feeling alienated in their own ways, Eyad and Yonatan form a deep friendship. As Eyad’s relationship with Naomi blossoms, the complexity of their romance grows. Despite the antagonism from some peers, Eyad excels academically, gaining the respect of fellow students. He even ventures into entrepreneurship, selling falafel and bagels, finally finding his footing within the school.
However, tensions arise during a fateful outing when an Israeli soldier overhears Eyad declaring his love for Naomi in Arabic. The incident escalates as the soldier aggressively demands to see Eyad’s identification. In English class, Eyad and Naomi wish to share their love with the world, but Naomi’s revelation about her relationship with a Palestinian boy leads her parents to prohibit her from attending school. In a bold move, Eyad drops out himself and requests the principal to inform Naomi’s family of his decision, allowing her to return.
This choice infuriates Eyad’s father, resulting in Eyad being unwelcome at home. He relocates to a flat in East Jerusalem and begins the search for employment, ultimately securing a job as a dishwasher after numerous rejections.
As Eyad navigates these tumultuous changes, Yonatan’s health takes a turn for the worse, leaving him unable to move. Trusting Eyad, Yonatan’s mother, portrayed by Yael Abecassis, invites him to live with them, recognizing Eyad’s capability to assist her in caring for Yonatan.
In a twist of fate, Eyad realizes the parallels between his and Yonatan’s lives. He takes Yonatan’s Israeli ID and begins working as a waiter. Though Yonatan’s mother soon discovers this deception, she permits him to continue under the condition that his identity remains a secret. Using Yonatan’s ID, Eyad takes and excels in Yonatan’s final exams, scoring exceptionally well for both of their futures.
As time passes, Naomi enlists in the IDF and confides in Eyad about her growing frustration with the dishonesty surrounding their relationship. Eventually, she decides to end things between them. Tragedy strikes when Yonatan passes away, prompting Eyad to inform the Muslim authorities of his death while posing as Yonatan. Together with Yonatan’s mother, they attend the funeral, and the story concludes with a poignant blank screen, symbolizing their shared sorrow and loss.
Timeline
Eyad's Acceptance
Eyad receives acceptance into a prestigious Israeli school, marking a significant milestone in his education. His father drives him to Jerusalem, offering wise words about the importance of coexistence and dignity in their lives.
Facing Prejudice
Upon arriving at his new school, Eyad quickly faces challenges as his Israeli classmates ridicule him, calling him 'Ayid.' This derogatory nickname underscores the difficulties he must overcome as a Palestinian in a predominantly Israeli environment.
Meeting Naomi
Everything changes for Eyad when he meets Naomi, a fellow student, while helping her with her chemistry studies. Their bond grows as they frequently meet at a local café, sparking a promising relationship despite external tensions.
Friendship with Yonatan
Eyad is paired with Yonatan, a disabled Israeli teenager, who also feels alienated. They develop a deep friendship, providing mutual support as they navigate the complexities of their worlds.
Academic Success
Despite the animosity from some of his peers, Eyad excels in his studies, earning respect among his classmates. He also taps into his entrepreneurial spirit by selling falafel and bagels, securing his place in the school community.
Love Struggles
Tension escalates during an outing when an Israeli soldier overhears Eyad profess his love for Naomi in Arabic. This confrontation highlights the precarious nature of their relationship against the backdrop of cultural and political strife.
Naomi's Dilemma
Naomi reveals in English class that she is in a relationship with a Palestinian boy, leading her parents to prohibit her from attending school. This decision strains Eyad's heart and their relationship as he feels powerless to help.
Eyad's Sacrifice
In a bold act of love, Eyad decides to drop out of school and asks the principal to inform Naomi's family of his choice. His selfless act is meant to protect her, but it also leads to his father's anger and disapproval.
Life in East Jerusalem
After the fallout with his father, Eyad moves to a flat in East Jerusalem, seeking independence. He faces numerous job rejections until he finally finds work as a dishwasher, indicating the harsh realities of his new life.
Yonatan's Health Declines
As Eyad adjusts to his new life, Yonatan's health deteriorates, leaving him unable to move. Recognizing Eyad's potential, Yonatan's mother invites Eyad to stay with them to help care for her son.
Identity Deception
In a moment of desperation, Eyad takes Yonatan's Israeli ID to work as a waiter. Although this deception is soon discovered by Yonatan's mother, she agrees to let him continue as long as he keeps his true identity a secret.
Final Exams
Utilizing Yonatan's ID, Eyad takes and excels in Yonatan's final exams. This achievement represents hope for both of their futures and shows Eyad's determination to succeed against the odds.
Naomi Joins the IDF
As pressures mount, Naomi enlists in the Israeli Defense Forces and shares her frustrations about their relationship with Eyad. This decision weighs heavily on both of them, as it illustrates the widening chasm created by their circumstances.
Tragic Loss
Tragedy strikes when Yonatan passes away, leaving Eyad in grief. He reports Yonatan's death to the Muslim authorities, grappling with the loss while trying to honor his friend's memory.
Shared Sorrow
Together with Yonatan's mother, Eyad attends Yonatan's funeral, a bittersweet moment filled with shared sorrow. The story concludes on a poignant note, highlighting their profound loss and the connections forged throughout their journey.
Characters
Eyad
Eyad is a determined Palestinian teenager whose experiences unveil the challenges of fitting into a new environment while embracing his heritage. He is resourceful and adaptable, showing resilience in face of prejudice and personal loss.
Naomi
Naomi is a compassionate Israeli girl who forms a deep bond with Eyad. Her internal conflicts regarding loyalty to her identity and feelings for Eyad highlight the complexities of love amidst cultural divides.
Yonatan
Yonatan is a disabled Israeli teenager who connects with Eyad over their shared feelings of alienation. His character symbolizes the struggle for acceptance and the power of friendship in overcoming personal and societal challenges.
Yonatan's Mother
A supportive figure, Yonatan's mother becomes a pivotal character as she opens her home to Eyad during difficult times. Her trust in Eyad showcases the depth of compassion and understanding amidst adversity.
Eyad's Father
Eyad's father is a traditional figure who wishes to instill in his son a sense of heritage and pride. His concerns about Eyad's choices reflect the generational conflicts and the weight of familial expectations in times of division.
Setting
Time period
The narrative unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting ongoing sociopolitical issues in the region. This time period encapsulates the complexity of modern Palestinian and Israeli interactions within an educational context.
Location
Jerusalem, East Jerusalem
The movie is predominantly set in Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and cultural significance to both Palestinians and Israelis. East Jerusalem, in particular, represents a divided reality where Eyad navigates his identity, struggles, and relationships amid political tensions.
Themes
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Identity & Belonging
The film explores the quest for identity and belonging, showcasing Eyad's struggle as a Palestinian in an Israeli school. His friendships and romances highlight the deep emotional ties people create despite societal divisions.
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Love & Sacrifice
Eyad's love for Naomi drives many of his choices, illuminating the sacrifices made for affection and acceptance, underscored by societal pressures and familial expectations. This theme is poignantly illustrated through the tragic end of Yonatan's life.
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Conflict & Coexistence
The ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis serves as a backdrop for Eyad's journey, revealing both hostility and the possibilities for coexistence. The narrative emphasizes the shared humanity of individuals on both sides amid broader political struggles.
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