The village theater lures them into the world of 'Superman', and these two boys starts dreaming of meeting the man of steel. Dana convinces his brother that 'superman' lives in America, and once they find him they would be able to relive a happy life with their parents. Dana guilty of filling his brother's mind with dreams of meeting the superhero, tries to push his story by planning a trip to America. For that, he has to have a vehicle. They buy a donkey.
Bekas, meaning Homeless, is a feature that is harsh and soft at the same time. There is no make-believe heaven out there in the movie, but the fearlessness and determination of the kids is so endearing that it makes the movie shed its hostile environment and turn it into a world filled with brotherly love. In the end, what the two brothers want is not to have a luxurious life in America, but to be around one another till they die.
Zamand Taha as the younger brother Zana, is pure joy to watch. His loud screeching voice, and an innocent face, added with the occasional emotions that he displays touches your hearts. Dana, played by Sarwar Fazil, is an immature father figure, but loves his brother so much, that he leaves his teenage fantasies for being with his little brother. Sarwar plays a romantic and a disciplinarian with great effortlessness, and the way his eyes brightens up sometimes is so cool. Many other characters come and go giving life lessons to these kids, and making them realize that whatever they need, most of all they need each other.
The cinematography has captured the sands of Kurdistan beautifully. The landscapes and angles reflect the condition of the boys very well.
The director is so very successful in procuring a thoughtful product, without being too preachy or philosophical. The hardships the children go through explains the situations people have to live through in Iraq. But instead of being a brooding tragic tale, this film is about unity and hope.
