Notable Bahraini director Bassam Al-Thawadi released the film The Barrier in 1990 and eventoday it resonates thanks to its beautifully written script, the excellent cast, and the wonderfulfilmmaking. The movie is all about the barriers people put up and the barriers that are imposedon the citizens of Bahrain. Through interweaving storylines we see the different barriers and howthey can affect people. We see a character that refuses to engage with people on an emotionallevel and thus ultimately leaves himself alone in the world. We see another that is held back bythe realities of living in Bahrain. It’s wonderful that the filmmaker had the courage to make amovie that criticizes his country so strongly.
Ultimately the movie is tragic because the characters can’t form and maintain healthy, happyrelationships. They’re doomed to sadness and loneliness because of all the barriers and it’s alittle sad to watch it all unfold. Good movies draw emotions out of you that and The Barrier doesthat wonderfully. Your heart will break because you’ll see that happiness is within the grasp ofeveryone in the movie. They just have to reach out for it and they’ll find it. Most of them areunwilling or unable to do so though and it’s beautiful in a sad sort of way.