Recycle

Recycle is a Jordanian documentary-drama released in 2007, featuring Abu Amar and directed by renowned film-maker Maher Abi Samra. This feature film is a journey into the heart of poverty, dreams, despair, and resilience, unraveling the harsh realities faced by common people in the face of adversity.

Abu Amar, the protagonist of the film, is a former Mujahideen (holy warrior) from the Jordan town of Zarqa, which is also reputed as the birthplace of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the notorious Al Qaeda leader. Encased in the dusty frames of Zarqa, depicted in raw and grim aesthetics, Abu Amar's story unfolds.

Domesticated into a life far from his fighting days, Abu operates a small tin-can recycling workshop. His past life is far removed from his present struggles in of one the poorest and most neglected regions of Jordan. Striving to manage his earnings while supporting a large family is a daily challenge for him. However, the protagonist's strong character does not easily surrender to these destitute conditions.

Throughout the movie, we see Abu Amar grapple with his past and present, while handling numerous issues like economic instability, societal norms, political influences, and the living echoes of war. His disturbing nightmares serve as dreadful reminders of his war-driven past, thus adding a hauntingly touching and psychological dimension to the film.

What makes Recycle more than just a movie is its intricate manipulation of fiction and reality. By not strictly adhering to documentary norms or fictional liberties, the film maintains an engaging balance. It effectively becomes an intriguing manifestation of real-life dilemmas, teetering between the documentary-like presentation of Abu's life and elements of dramatized reality.

In Recycle, Abu Amar not only epitomizes the struggle of Zarqa residents but also symbolizes the interrupted dreams and ambitions of many men who, like him, had once tasted the ruthless face of war. And while the film captures his daily survival, it also mirrors many elements of Jordan and Middle Eastern society, including tradition, family, religion, and geographic struggles.

The stark cinematography and potent visuals of Recycle play a crucial role in highlighting the dichotomies that pervade Abu's world. From the gritty landscapes of Zarqa to the suffocating workflow within the recycling shop, each frame is meticulously realized. The scant dialogues, punctuated by long silences and ambient sounds, complement the visuals, thereby reflecting the barren lives of the characters.

Recycle is far from surreal; it is direct, substantial, conscious of its roots and unafraid to expose the harsh naked truth of the lives it projects. It plays heavily on visual storytelling, using the harsh landscapes of Zarqa to showcase poverty, hardship, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The director, Maher Abi Samra, has a unique, empathetic approach to storytelling, avoiding overt judgment or bias of either his characters or their circumstances. This nuanced interpretation allows the viewer to build an intimate relation with Abu Amar, sensing his pain, understanding his dreams, and empathizing with his constant battles.

Abu Amar's performance is both heart-touching and believable, adding more credibility to his character's trials and tribulations. His portrayal of a man torn between his haunting past and challenging present is commendable, making Recycle a cinematic experience worth watching.

On a broader perspective, Recycle explores powerful motifs like survival, resilience, and dreams in a socio-political context. It is not just about one man but a whole community and the collective ethos of a neglected region. The movie shines through its simplicity, bravery, and raw depiction of a man and a city and their unwavering spirit to recycle their lives amidst adversity.

In conclusion, Recycle is more than just an ordinary film. It scales through the finest nuances of human life under challenging circumstances and encapsulates them in the broad spectrum of societal norms. Recycle is an intense portrait of resilience and survival, making it a must-watch for lovers of world cinema.