Jaffe This is my first time posting a review, but I felt that this picture in particular needs the introduction that I can give to it:When initially asked if I would recommend this film I responded, "Ah, recommend? ... I don't think so." In retrospect, I think that it can be appreciated, provided that one understands the viewpoint of its Israeli writer/director.I'll digress briefly to address the elephant in the room: Richard Gere. I was initially offended that he was allowed to (and that he had the gall to) play a Jew, but he was actually very good in the role. Without chewing the scenery, he showed that he's a talented actor who can "just go into character," and for him "less is more."Now, there are two main points I think every viewer needs to know: First, it's a very Israeli movie (and that's what it is); you either know what that means or you simply do not. And, secondly, Israelis are looking for "the message" or "the lesson" of the film, which isn't clear, and most complain that "it has no plot." Non-Israelis, on the other hand, are left asking themselves if there are gaping holes in the film that are just not filled in, and thus find it "very confusing" or "totally unrealistic." I, however, understand what the director is going for. He's seeing Israeli politics through the eyes of 90% of Israelis (who all want pretty much the same thing: "to part with the Arabs"). Through that lens, he presents the image an ideal Israeli political candidate who's actually capable of making a difference (i.e. "peace"), and when the wheels start moving to oust him, as they do in Israel with any successful politician, our attention is focused on the internal conflict of his "Diaspora Jewish businessman" vis-à-vis whether he can be altruistic enough, or just desperate enough, to realize the greater picture and appreciate the sincere relationship he has with this great scion, and perhaps to be ready to give up the short-lived glory he can finally reap from these events and even to fall on his own sword for the sake of the greater good.Once I realised what it was, I sat back with no vested interest in the outcome and just enjoyed it like a foibled fairytale (or a story submitted by a child) portrayed onscreen by an A-list cast.Without actively recommending it, I'm just telling the public what it is. A fourth-to-sixth grader's story (including that child's perception of reality and wishful thinking) presented by an A-list cast ... in which, if any of it were to happen then this is actually how it would play out. When you accept that this is the case, that you're missing nothing and that this is how Middle East politics actually plays out on the ground (that's right, you're not missing anything, this really is the circus of politics in Israel as it's portrayed in this film), then maybe you can sit back and allow yourself to enjoy it too.

gradyharp Writer director Joseph Cedar studied philosophy and history at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and is a graduate of New York University's film school. He is rather new to the film industry but his mark is clear - making films that explore human nature and the manner in which we interact as people and as countries (in this case the Us Israel relationship). He knows how to create solid characters and has the ability to attract quality actors to make his dreams visual.Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) is the President of New York based Oppenheimer Strategies, a one man business doing consulting work largely in American-Israeli business and politics, that focus due to being Jewish (Focus: Israeli minister Micha Eshel played with enormous sensitivity by Lior Ashkenazi). Most of his work is as a fixer: doing work that others don't want to do and with which they don't want to be officially associated. In reality, Norman is a shyster, and not a very good one at that. His office is comprised of his cell phone and whatever is stuffed in his satchel that is usually slung over his shoulder as he wanders the streets. What he promises is making connections, setting up a meeting between his guy and the other guy under the guise of connections with significant people. All he needs is for one of the people that he approaches to believe a story to build that network. Not so much a story, but an act of kindness with that ulterior motive does eventually pan out as the connection of which he could have only dreamed. He is able to build off that connection to become the toast of the town, a status upon which he tries to parlay into being an even bigger fish in the pond. But the greater his exposure, the greater the potential scrutiny about him as a person, which could bring his fragile network come crumbling down around him.In addition to Richard Gere's finely tuned performance other members of this memorable cast include Lior Ashkenazi, Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Josh Charles, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dan Stevens, Tali Sharon among others. There is much more to absorb form this fine film than the rise and fall of the main character - just when we need to hear all aspects of the Israeli situation.

unfgreen This movie was dull as dirt. Tremendous actors doing a fine job, but why. I suffered through to the end while enduring the criticism of those around me that gave up. Each time they walked through they'd ask what I was asking myself, "why are you still watching this?"This movie has no redeeming human interest story either.

jasontheterrible This is a film about how an illicit media and obtuse public can take down a good man. Or, it is about how an obtuse man, cannot survive an illicit, capitalistic society, without cheating and lying. Or, it is about how a really good actor, can turn almost any worthless nobody into a hero, for a short time. Or, it is about how good Jews are at making connections, remaining cloistered and being Jewish, and how that can take one a long way. Or, it is about pure, unadulterated misery. How a film that is so dismal, nonsensical, and devoid of all humor and depth, can ever be made. The pivotal scene for me, was when this idiot Norman forces himself on a truly miserable, lesbian shrew, working for the justice department, and freely tells her he gave the brand new Prime Minister of Israel, a super-expensive pair of shoes, to curry favor, and it worked.