Jonathan Zsofi
I have seen no greater film than this so far.It's sensibility to the conflict of people groups, as well as the personal experiences in the spiritual, intellectual and emotional are beyond any other film's treatment. The actors live out the natural confusion on screen effortlessly. Ultimately, the way in which lives, yearnings, love and hate is weaved into resolution, beauty and peaceful reflection is unparalleled.It's superb cinematic style makes the story not only brilliant; but a masterpiece in its entirety.For a film that confronts, and questions much of your heart, mind and soul - I suggest seeing this as soon as you can.
Shib Shankar Sikder
This is about the journey of of two young men from a unfortunate beginning to a life to cherish. It is not a film about two families, in the end it is about the whole world, about the human kind in totality. The story is set in the perspective of Israel-Palestine conflict. The two young men are forced into a state of severe identity crisis. They question their existence in society. But ultimately they find the answer. If they are living each-others' lives, then they should do that for the best. That is the affirmation of human capability for good. The conflict between nations is a manipulated enmity, there is no rivalry among common men. This is the inner social message conveyed.
darcymoore
I'd reached the point some time ago where I stopped watching films about the holocaust and the intractable Palestine-Israel situation. Then I saw a review of this film that suggested something other than bleak, bleak, bleak and get out the razor for humanity's wrist. So I watched it.It took the life-affirming premise that even in the worst of situations, which the dispossessed Palestinians have been enduring for more than 60 years, people generally want to live, laugh, have friends, love and, most of all, stay alive. Strapping explosives to your chest is NOT the norm there, even for impressionable young men.What I saw was a very human story of parents and children trying to come to terms with a sudden reversal of reality. Messy, untidy, forcing a rethink of lifelong prejudices in the face of a farcical bureaucratic mix-up.The mothers ache with a visceral sense of loss. The fathers quietly rage (and in one sequence not so quietly) in their dumbfoundment. The kid sisters take people as they find them. The boys are stupefied .. to begin with. Then the everyday takes over. Having to absorb it all, then go on living. And all get wiser, a little more worldly, a little less inclined to stereotype. A little richer.Unlikely? I don't think so. As has often been observed, "Travel broadens the mind." And there's nothing like a good emotional somersault to do exactly that. People can and do change. It didn't feel like a film, more like watching through hidden cameras as life unfolds.
richwgriffin-227-176635
What can I say? I love love love this perfect movie! Superb direction (I want to see more of her movies!), beautifully written, excellent camera work, editing, sound, extraordinary use of varied music, locations, casting - the acting is the best ensemble acting I've seen a very very long time! Emmanuelle Devos (Orith Silberg) is the best known, and she is her usual superb self, Areen Omari is a revelation as the arab mother, Khalifa Natour and Pascal Elbe play the "politicized" fathers with an aching poignancy, Mahmud Shalaby plays what could be a caricatured "villain" as a complex young man capable of growth, and the two leads: Jules Sitruk (Joseph Silberg) and especially Mehdi Dehbi (Yacine Al-Bezaaz; I want to see him in more movies!) play such complex characters with warmth, intelligence, bravery, and brilliance.This movie gets an A+. It's the best movie I have seen in 2013 (it was released in 2011 in France; this is the first I have ever heard of it now in 2013).the "making of" featurette is fascinating. It made me appreciate the movie even more.I urge anyone and everyone to see this one of a kind extraordinary humane complex intelligent moving and exceptional motion picture!!!! (:
AD
