THE GREEN PRINCE – The Review

Review by Kathy Kaiser

Writer & Director Nadav Schirman takes on the real-life story of Mosab Hassan Yousaf. son of Sheikh Hassan Yousaf – Leader of the Hamas Organization in Israel.  As the Israelis continue to imprison Sheikh repeatedly to try to squelch their efforts against the Israeli’s  Mosab becomes rebellious wanting to work for Hamas and support his father’s regime.  When Mosab is picked up at the age of 17 for gun possession, he is also imprisoned, and is finally privy to the truth about Hamas and its incredibly cruel handling of individuals imprisoned on their behalf.

Mosab finds himself torn between his moralistic ethics towards his family, and the knowledge he now has about the Hamas organization.   The Israelis’ view Mosab’s new insight on Hamas as an opportunity to recruit him for their efforts, which are in opposition of his father’s.  Enter Israeli Intelligence handler Gonen Ben Itzhak, who convinces Mosab to work for them, in an effort to destroy the Hamas organization, which Mosab has come to loath.
As Mosab and Gonen continue their efforts to infiltrate Hamas, Mosab holds on to the belief that working for “THE ENEMY” is justified as his attempt to save the lives of many in Israel.   After working for close to a decade together, Gonen finds that Mosab has become of a friend to him, as opposed to being just another spy working for him.
When Mosab is forced into exile to save his life, he comes to the US to make a fresh start, and to write his memoir “Son of Hamas”.   Our Federal Government, and the people here who have welcomed Mosab into their community here in the US, aren’t too happy when they find out who he actually is.  When Gonen receives the news that the US is trying to deport Mosab back to Israel – which means certain death for him – Gonen travels half way away around the word to testify on his behalf, not as Mosab’s previous intelligence operative, but as HIS FRIEND in order to save his life……

Nadav Schirman tells Mosab’s story, in Mosab’s own words, as he narrates the film to bring “his story” to the big screen.  Gonan Ben Itzhak also tells his side of all the craziness too – plus they use actual footage from Hamas and the Israelis, to weave this story of intrigue, deceit and everything in between.  You will find THE GREEN PRINCE both captivating and powerful, as you feel yourself wanting to save Mosab from the perils of his life in Israel – and here too – every step of the way.   This film is full of drama and intrigue, mixed with the power of documentary film making, which brings a depth to this story that I haven’t truly experienced before.  And Schirman’s Mastery of storytelling brings each and every “chapter” of this film to life!   Take a few hours out of your busy schedule this weekend and catch THE GREEN PRINCE.  This is one true story you won’t want to miss!

4 of 5 Stars

THE GREEN PRINCE opens in St. Louis October 17th exclusively at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Theater