Israelis and Palestinians have been battling for eons, and every step forward toward peace and understanding is undermined by a step backward toward war and misunderstanding. There is nothing so minimal that these feuding sides cannot struggle over it, even if it is something as small as a lemon grove farmed by a not-quite middle-aged widow. This comes to the fore in "Lemon Tree," which opens today.
Hiam Abbass is Salma, the 45-year-old Palestinian owner of the lemon grove, left to her at his death by her husband. Abbass, a rising international star, shone in "The Visitor," which earned Richard Jenkins an Oscar nomination, and as a voice in an Israeli animated film, "Azur and Asmar." She brings a rich warmth to her characterizations.
She works the grove with an aged Palestinian, and she lives quietly right along the border with Israel. But when the newly named Israeli defense minister, played with harsh ego and a total disregard for others by Doron Tavory, builds a new home on the Israeli side, everything changes. His security forces decide that the orchard must be destroyed because assassins might hide there. This has not been a problem in the past, but anyone who has been to an airport knows how officious security forces can be.
Israeli writer-director Eran Riklis understands, because the security people are rigid and usually stupid, illustrated by the guard, proud of his nickname, "Quickie," who dozes in his watchtower while instructional tapes on deductive reasoning play in the background and provide some humor.
Salma is represented by a Palestinian attorney, strong work by Ali Suliman, who briefly appears to introduce a romantic interest as a dividend to his courtroom work.
At the same time, Riklis looks as the marital stresses between Tavory and his wife, an interesting characterization by Rona Lipaz-Michael. The director obviously sees little hope for a peaceful future between the warring sides as long as both are eager to take affront. "Lemon Tree" is an excellent film, stylishly directed and acted. If it could only teach a lesson, instead of serving as an easily recognized story that will probably bring frustrated nods of approval from both sides.
At the Plaza Frontenac.
-Joe
Comments
One response
The film is opening here in San Diego soon and I have made plans to see it. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Quite an unexpected discovery.
Ash