TIFF Review: MIRAL

The Miral is a wild red flower that grows on the side of the road. That in itself is an encouraging thought - that something so beautiful can endure in harsh conditions. It raises the possibilty that other beautiful entities can endure in harsh conditions...like peace and hope.

MIRAL, a film by director Julian Schnabel is a story of the middle east peace process, told through the eyes of those who are living it. It begins with a gesture of humanity: the founding of a Jerusalem school for orphaned children. This act by Hind al-Husseini is more than just charity, it's a step towards peace. Since information and education is the only way to alleviate the fear that causes intolerance, al-Husseini's gesture is an extraordinary step towards a better future.

Thirty years after the school is founded, seven-year-old arab named Miral is brought there by her father after her mother's death. Miral grows into a strong-willed teenager, and begins to feel a calling to her people's struggle. It's here that she starts to become politically active, and faces tough choices when it comes to doing the right thing, and believing in the right causes.

MIRAL is an intense and affecting story, one filled with many moments of very sad beauty. It's a film that might leave many people blinded by politics, where they should instead be listening to the deeper message of communication. It's not interested in shocking us with the gory details of acts of political violence. It wants us instead to focus on compromise, understanding, and on making peace.

Much of the film feels blurry around the edges, evoking the notion of a story that is weary from how long it has gone on...but one that still wants to endure and reach its final chapter. It has moments of humour, moments of tension, and moments of sorrow. Through all of that, like is titular flower, it endures...and remains a thing of beauty.

MIRAL will be getting a limited release this December.