Welcome to Movie Prairie’s review of The Tower, a Norwegian animated feature film directed by Mats Grorud. This film tells the story of Wardi, an 11-year-old Palestinian girl living in a Lebanese refugee camp, who learns about her family’s history through the stories of three generations of refugees.
Motivated by a year-long experience working at the Burj el-Barajneh refugee camp, director Mats Grorud listened to the stories of refugees firsthand. These narratives served as the foundation for shaping the narrative of the film.
The Tower premiered at various prestigious international film festivals, including the Cairo International Film Festival, Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Sevilla Film Festival, and Rome Film Festival. Its presence at these events underscores its acclaim and recognition within the global film community.
For more information, see the following list of movie details and watch the trailer on the movie page:
- Director: Mats Grorud
- Production Companies: Tenk.tv, Les Contes Modernes, Cinenic Film
- Languages: Norwegian, Arabic (with English subtitles)
- Release Date: June 2018
- Festival Premieres: Cairo International Film Festival, Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Sevilla Film Festival, Rome Film Festival
Voice Cast
The film features a talented voice cast that brings the characters to life with authenticity and emotion.
- Pauline Ziade as Wardi
- Darina Al Joundi as Lina
- Said Amadis as Sidi
- Mohammad Bakri as Lutfi
- Slimane Dazi as Pigeon Boy
Where to Stream The Tower
The Tower film is available for streaming on Prime Video.
Related Reads
If you enjoyed this article, check out similar posts for more insightful reviews and recommendations.
- A Review of No Dogs or Italians Allowed (2022)
- Ernie Biscuit (2015) Review: A Tale of Silence and Strength
- Harvie Krumpet: Embracing Life’s FAKTs and Misfortunes (2003)
- The Quirky Brilliance of Mary and Max: A Film Review
- Exploring the Depths of Louise by the Shore: A Movie Review
- Love and Rhythm: Chico & Rita movie Review
- My Neighbor Totoro: Symbolism and Shinto Beliefs
The Tower’s Plot
At the heart of The Tower lies the story of Wardi, an 11-year-old Palestinian girl navigating life in a Lebanese refugee camp. Through her interactions with family members and the stories they share, Wardi learns about her ancestors’ struggles and sacrifices. Through this, she gains insight into her own identity and heritage.
The Key
In a moving scene, Wardi’s great-grandfather, Sidi, gives her his key. This key is the same key given to him by his father. It symbolizes more than just a physical object. The key represents Sidi’s hope for the future.
It also represents his belief in the resilience of the Palestinian people, and his desire for Wardi to carry on the hope that their family will once again return to their homeland of Palestine.
Thinking that Sidi may have misplaced his hope, Wardi’s mission is to find Sidi’s hope. Driven by her deep love and respect for her great-grandfather, Wardi explores each level of her family complex to interview her family members to learn about her family history.
The Nakba
In one flashback, Sidi recalls his life in 1948 when his family was forced to flee Palestine amid conflict. Sidi was forced to leave his homeland with his family during a time referred to as the Nakba.
The Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement and expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and land during the 1948 Palestine war.
This event occurred following the establishment of the state of Israel. The Nakba led to the creation of a significant refugee population, with Palestinians forced to flee to neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
Many Palestinians lost their homes, properties, and livelihoods, resulting in enduring social, economic, and political consequences for generations. The Nakba remains a central event in Palestinian history and identity, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for justice, self-determination, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees to their homeland.
Sidi Leaves his Homeland
When Sidi is asked about his past, we are shown one of his heartbreaking memories. The memory unfolds with a sense of bleakness as a group of people walk barefoot under dark skies, guided by armed forces away from their homeland.
Sidi is separated from his beloved dog Lucy, adding to the emotional weight of the scene. His father’s promise to return to Palestine one day is overshadowed by the harsh reality of their displacement.
Hanan’s Fear
Hanan reminisces about 1982, a year marked by bombings and fear. She recalls drawing pictures of pigeons with her brother, nicknamed “Pigeon Boy,” as they found a moment of peace amidst chaos.
The memory is tinged with sadness as Hanan cowers in fear of the bombs outside and the complete darkness that she had to endure.
Feeling desperate, Hanan goes into a panic, repeating “it’s not safe by the stairs” over and over in her mind. She begins running and screaming. This memory is the basis for her lifelong fear of the dark.
Lutfi Fights Back
Lutfi’s flashback transports us to 1969, where he navigates the complexities of life in Palestine. He recounts an encounter with a young boy named Yasim, who wanted to visit a fun fair but faces discrimination and mistreatment from two old men as he is shining their shoes. The men ask Yasim to kiss their feet, and then continue to yell profanities at him as he runs away.
Seeing this, Lutfi seeks revenge for his friend by joining a counter attack late at night. His group is shot at by military forces. After this encounter, we see a distraught Lutfi hugging his father in saddness. We never see Yasim again.
Pigeon Boy
Lastly, Wardi climbs up to the roof of the building to meet with Pigeon boy. Bitter by his life experiences, he chooses to stay on the roof to catch pigeons rather than to go down and interact with people.
Consequently, we witness Pigeon Boy’s traumatic experience as a young boy during the tumultuous events of 1986.
Amidst a backdrop of conflict and chaos, he innocently plays with rocks and sticks alongside another young boy. However, their childhood is abruptly shattered when they encounter an armed guard who callously opens fire on Pigeon Boy’s friend, killing him.
Frozen in shock and disbelief, Pigeon Boy is met with the harsh realities of violence and loss at a young age. These memories haunt him, causing him to live a lonely life on top of the roof.
Sidi’s hope
In a deeply moving moment, Wardi approaches Sidi, who is very sick and nearing the end of his life. She apologizes to him for not being able to find his lost hope.
With a heavy heart, she expresses her regret and sorrow. Wardi expressed her failure to bring him his wish to ease his suffering.
Despite her heartfelt apology, Sidi reassures Wardi of her significance in his life by calling her his hope. Unbeknownst to Wardi, Sidi never lost his hope at all.
The Animation
Mats Grorud’s direction blends stop-motion and 2D animation seamlessly with real footage of Palestine and Palestinians, creating a visually stunning and immersive cinematic experience.
Wardi is a puppet with thick short and dark hair, thick eyebrows and dark brown eyes. Her great-grandfather Sidi is portrayed as a puppet with many wrinkles, gray hair and a mustache with a bald head.
The animation style captures the stark realities of life in the refugee camp, from the cramped living conditions to the vibrant culture and people that endure amidst adversity.
Throughout the film you see the bleak circumstances that refugees live in. The camp contains poorly maintained buildings that are covered in graffiti with broken concrete, exposed rebar and wires.
I noticed that whenever a family member had a flashback of the past, the animation would change from stop-motion to 2D animation.The flashbacks portrayed moments of conflict and hardship faced by Palestinians by Israeli forces, depicting ominous tales of war across generations. These scenes featured dark skies and images of tanks, guns, and military personnel.
Through its visuals, The Tower transports you into Wardi’s world, inviting you to look inside with her journey and the struggles of her community.
The Themes and Impact
The Tower left a profound impact on me with its moving storytelling and powerful themes.
As I watched Wardi navigate the complexities of life in the refugee camp, I was struck by the film’s ability to convey the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity.
The mix of stop motion and 2D animation style added depth and texture to the narrative, immersing me in Wardi’s world and allowing me to connect with her journey.
Pigeon Boy's Story
The haunting memory of Pigeon boy stood out to me. It could explain how war can have a lasting impact on children who are forced to grow up in constant conflict, and how it can shape their perspective and experiences, as well as their mental health.
The Director's Focus
Additionally, I was impressed by how the director focussed on the lives and memories of one family throughout the generations. The focus was not on the politics or war itself, but instead on the people who are most affected by it.
I believe that this movie strives to let the Palestinian people’s voices be heard through storytelling, which can reach many people who are not familiar with the history of the conflict.
The Symbolism of the Key
Ultimately, the key that Sidi gives to Wardi symbolizes a shared hope. Initially, Wardi is misled into thinking that Sidi gave her the key because he had lost hope. However, it becomes clear that he actually entrusted her with the key as a representation of the future he envisions for her.
Perhaps more deeply, Sidi may have given the key to Wardi because he believes that wherever the key resides represents the enduring home of the Palestinian people, emphasizing their unwavering spirit.
Overall, The Tower shows how cinema can be used to illustrate the human experience and spark meaningful conversations about identity, heritage, and the search for hope and belonging.
My Favorite Scene
My favorite scene in the movie was when Hanan began teaching Wardi the traditional style of dance in Palestine- with arms raised and body moving side to side to the rhythm of the music.
I love that this scene shows a bit of the culture and personality of the palestinian people, beyond the conflict. Altogether, it was a fun and memorable scene.
Recommendation
Whether you’re a fan of animated films or simply appreciate powerful narratives that resonate on a human level, The Tower is a must-watch.
Its exploration of identity, family, and resilience is as relevant as ever, offering you a compelling and unforgettable experience.
Already seen the movie? Do you have a favorite character? A favorite quote or message? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And as always- keep watching!
References
As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
