cin wiz
I do not understand how this movie has the same score as "Politiki Kouzina" and "Vitus" which both have children acting the lead role!? You cannot even compare the quality of acting, directing, script, ANYTHING!I'm sure that it is terribly difficult to find children that can act, but the little boy playing Profi, has such a flat, expressionless tone, voice and face that it was impossible to believe he feels anything for Sargeant Dunlop. Since all the story revolves around this young boy, make it worth it!The plot is so fast that no scenes are given enough time to develop. Since this story is based on a book, I'm sure there was plenty of material to work with! But i do not know where it all went!?When the hell did did they become friends, and have enough time to develop such a strong bond that Dunlop would turn up for such an "emotional" reunion 30 years later! For goodness sake! The evolution of a real friendship, which is the central concept (combined with a few historical references) is much harder than what is shown. Sorry to say but this is such a shallow movie. Poor Alfred Molina is wasted really because the script is just so poor.I understand that this is a patriotic Israelian movie but the worst thing is that it is also trying SO hard to be a "deep" movie. NO NO NO!!! There have been so many movies about the plight of the Jews, that it is a difficult subject to tackle, especially after masterpieces like "La Vita e Bella" where every single moment is breathtaking. Incidentally the movie has the same score as American Pie. I understand that...its of the same depth. But with American Pie we were laughing WITH the actors and not AT their acting abilities.
shuman353-1
The original Title "Panther in the Basement" was a better title - IMHO. The big issue, is the FACT that there has NEVER been a Country named Palestine. This term was once used by a Roman General, a derogatory description of the people circa 200 BC. Around 1947, an Arab used the term Palestinian at the U.N. to describe the people that where living in tents in the South of Israel.There has NEVER been a single map, before 1948, that has ever displayed a single place with that name and to this day, the only maps that do NOT name the Country as Israel are found in the Middle east. In conclusion, this story has become a propaganda piece, trying once again to replace the actual name of the Country.
tomasdelara
This is a typical case of a good history with a bad narrative.The movie ought to be good, the context is very interesting, Alfred Molina is a good actor, the plot is good. But there's a lot missing.The director created such a simple and superficial narrative, you won't see good cinematography, nor a good acting apart from Molina.Maybe this is a movie made for children or people who are searching for, as we say in Brazil, "water and sugar" entertainment movie, then, you might like it.I am very sorry, but with all do respect, for sure this is not like watching a Truffaut movie... People should see more Truffaut movies before comparing this movie with the movies from Nouvelle Vague's most important director.I will dare to make a comparison so you can understand what I am trying to say: La vita è bella (1997) from R. Benigni, is a movie which can be seen by children and adults, and is a 10 out of 10 movie, with a perfect and original narrative, and a beautiful history.But if you are looking for a soft-easy to watch-rainy-Sunday-kids-movie go for it.5 out of 10
kent-219
This movie is a little gem. Definitely not a historic film, this semi-autobiography of author Amos Oz is an exploration of human interactions during the time of the British occupation in Mandatory Palestine. I would have given the film another star, but was slightly rattled when I missed a musical "fill" when it was necessary, and looked for more "goofs" when what appeared to be a plastic bag drifted across a shot early on in the movie, set in the 1940s. In addition, I awaited (and received) the obligatory Oz political stance on the situation in Israel. That is something I believe the film could have done without, since it is an otherwise charming piece. After the showing, the producer gave a little background into the making of the movie (incredibly small budget, all-Israeli crew, Molina phoning and asking for a role in the film). That was an extra treat. I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out, and will recommend it to my kids. It's a story of emotions overcoming the clash of stereotypical enemies.
AD
