A Palestinian single mom goes to White Castle in Cherien Dabis’ “Amreeka,” a charming comedy about cultural clashes in Illinois on the eve of the US invasion of Iraq.
Nisreen Faour is charismatic as the chubby protagonist, who is so weary of crossing through roadblocks that she takes her 16-year-old son (Melkar Muallem) to America.
Arriving at the airport, her cookie tins are confiscated by customs agents — along with her life savings.
Living with her married sister, our heroine, a bank manager back home, is unable to find similar work in Illinois. She ends up flipping burgers — although she does try to sneak some falafel onto the menu.
Although racism is encountered, “Amreeka” doesn’t try to push a political agenda. This small gem takes a basically optimistic view about the struggles that generations of immigrants have endured.
Running time: 96 minutes. In English and Arabic with English subtitles. Rated PG-13 (brief drug use, profanity). At the Lincoln Plaza and the Sunshine.
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