directed by:
Neena Nejad, Xoel Pamos written by: Leah Welch genre: Documentary |
Reading the description pretty much sums up what plays out during "The Price Of Honor", but only just that. We have a tragic, sad story that easily replaces some of the better fictional thrillers most of us will see this year. The essentials are all in place for a dramatic Hollywood film, only in this case, the story is real and much scarier. A lot of prejudice and hate we encounter in life can easily seem justified by the actions portrayed in this film. Much like a fictional movie however, we must always remember that the actions of a small few do not represent a people, religion or lifestyle. A sickness exists in some individuals that really can't be explained away by any single action, and only in hind-sight do the pieces fit perfectly. Religion? Strict parenting? Cultural pressure? How could one decide what mixture begins to spell danger, or what is simply imperfect (but harmless) parenting? For me, after watching "The Price Of Honor" I tend to believe that Yaser Said was simply a controlling... and very sick man who got sicker with age. If the events discussed in this film didn't end up becoming "Honor Killing(s)" I truly believe it would have been something else, resulting in the same pointless loss of life. Using the term "Honor Killing", in my opinion, could easily have been something else in different circumstances. Replace "Honor Killing" with "You didn't do your chores" or "You talked back to me". My point is that this guy is a sick man and no matter his personal beliefs, sooner or later would have killed someone for whatever reason he felt he could use to justify himself. It just so happened that at this particular time in his life he was thinking one way, and used it to justify his anger and commit murder. Was he afraid he would get shunned by some? Sneers and stares? Who cares! That was no reason to commit a double murder... especially your own kids! What I'm trying to say is that this man, I think would have killed sooner or later anyhow. He was clearly and simply... a sick man. As "The Price Of Honor" shows, sometimes, maybe a little veiled, but this man has issues.
Technically, "The Price Of Honor" was put together very well. Staples of all documentaries are in place but in this case, it's all done nicely. The flow of the edit perfectly establishes... and keeps a good pace going. Making sure you remain glued to your seat the entire film. Excellent job all around. As far as Documentaries go, production-wise, this one is top-notch and would look right at home with the heavily funded films we see on television.
Some may remember this story but if not, it's all explained within the film. Touching, scary, educational and I hate to write it... but quite entertaining. This tragic tale not only screams to be watched, but also succeeds in showing the pain and suffering one man, one criminal can cause. This film is the voice of many, not just Sarah and Amina's, but anyone living in or around a similar situation. Is it a good film to watch? If by good you mean well done, entertaining and maybe a little educational? Yes, yes it is. The content itself? Sad, tragic and anger inspiring. |