Time That Remains, The

Synopsis
Actor, screenwriter, and director Elia Suleiman presents a handful of autobiographical short stories that offer a witty but thoughtful perspective on the place of Palestinians in Israel (and his own role in the nation) in this comedy drama. Inspired by the journals kept by Suleiman's father, the first episode takes place in 1948, as the Arab resistance movement begins to crumble, though Fuad Suleiman (Saleh Bakri) is determined to keep up the fight. By 1970, Fuad has lost his idealism and believes Palestine is destined to live in Israel's shadow, while his son Elia (Zuhair Abu Hanna) is being punished for calling the United States colonialists before the teacher. A few years later, Elia (Ayman Espanioli) has a brush with more powerful authorities, who attempt to toss him out of Israel on a minor offense. Finally, Elia (Elia Suleiman) returns home to look after his elderly mother (Samar Qudha Tanus) and discovers how little has changed, as many of his old friends have been warming the same barstools since he left. THE TIME THAT REMAINS is Suleiman's third film about Israel's relationship with Palestinians, following CHRONICLE OF A DISAPPEARANCE and DIVINE INTERVENTION.

Reviews
"[R]ight from the start we're given notice that Suleiman's wry, deadpan humour is still very much in evidence." (Sight and Sound)

3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Palestinian director Elia Suleiman's autobiographical blend of sardonic humor and bitter poetry provides fresh insight into the suffering of his countrymen since the birth of Israel in 1948." (Box Office)

4 stars out of 5 -- "Suleiman relies on a wry, deadpan gaze that recalls his mentor, Jacques Tati." (Total Film)

"Suleiman still handles emotion cautiously and tentatively, and the result is somehow all the more stirring for that. He remains above all a cerebral filmmaker, with a measured, controlled, reflective voice." (Film Comment)

"Simultaneously autobiographical and fantastical, the films of Elia Suleiman mine the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis for humor, pathos, and eerie poetry....[A]n ambitious, wide-ranging film..." -- Grade: B+ (A.V. Club)