Movie: Bekas
Director: Karzan Kader
Cast: Zamand Taha, Sarwar Fazil, Diya Mariwan
Rating: ****
“Bekas” comes across as any other children’s film with young protagonists, fun, juvenile romance and an inspiring story of hope and love against the backdrop of the Iraq War in 1990. However, as a film it achieves a lot more than its counterparts from around the globe. It raises several questions on Iraq’s bureaucratic government back in the days, people’s inability and cowardice to stand up against a corrupt leader and the impact of satellite culture on the third world nations. All this is neatly wrapped in this deeply emotional tale of two brothers (aged 12 and 6), who plan to leave Iraq and go to America to meet Superman.
Taking inspiration from his own personal experiences of having to escape Iraq in the 90s, director Karzan Kader makes “Bekas” as realistic as possible. While most stories about homeless and orphaned kids are highly melodramatic, we don’t get such treatment from Kader, who makes his survival tale an experience of a lifetime for his viewer.
It is through the eyes of the protagonists, Zana and Dana, who earn a livelihood by shining shoes and spend their nights on any available rooftop, we see the picture of a country that suffered the most under the leadership of Saddam Hussein. When six-year old Zana makes a list of names of people he wants to be punished by Superman, he ranks Saddam on top of that list because of the pain he has caused him. It may be a funny scene because you get to experience Zana’s innocence, but it’s also an equally important scene as it explains the damage Saddam’s government had caused on Iraq and its people.
This is probably one of the best stories of survival and hope narrated from the perspective of kids as it leaves a lasting impression. If only we could learn the ‘never give up’ attitude of the kids, apply it to our lives, our problems may not be solved but at least we would have the courage to face them like how Zana and Dana, who despite facing roadblocks throughout their road trip, rely on any of their own means possible to get to America, and meet their idol Superman. The story also instills some strong familial values about never giving up on you family come what may because only when you’re united you are strong. This is wonderfully explained in a touching scene between Zana and an old man Baba Shalid. Endearing moments like these not only make the film unmissable but proves the power of cinema, which could be used as a medium to educate on life’s most important lessons.
There’s absolutely no shortage of humor in the film as some of the scenes make you laugh out loud. Kader uses childlike humor to constructively put across his motive without offending the viewer in the process. For instance, when Dana asks god for money after offering prayers in a mosque, Zana reminds him that it’s bad luck to ask money from god and those who ask will lose everything they have. To which, pat comes the reply from Dana that they have nothing to lose. What more could god take away from these unfortunate kids, besides their lives? This is not just a conversation between the brothers but one that also involves god.
Your hearts will reach out to Zana and Dana, who will sweep you off your feet with their raw and real performances. While Zana has a tendency to lose his temper and always speak in a louder tone, yet you root for him the most. Kader uses the spontaneity and innocence of the kids intelligently to paint a strong bond with the story.
“Bekas” inspires you to take that step towards the journey you’ve been avoiding all your life for various reasons. It could be a hobby you wanted to nurture or a relationship that needs mending or something very personal and important. Most importantly, the film teaches you that it’s not always about reaching the destination, but it’s about the experience you gain through the journey.