Friday, October 11, 2013

Zaytoun

Israeli director Eran Riklis returns with a period drama exploring an unlikely friendship. A captured Israeli soldier and a Palestinian boy become unlikely allies as they help each other. Despite noble intentions and a powerful message, the film lacks the immediacy of the Riklis previous films due to a contrived story and odd casting of American actor Stephen Dorff which takes away from the authenticity of the story. Newcomer Abdallah El Akal fares better as the boy caught in a conflict beyond his understanding. The supporting cast includes Ali Suliman and Ashraf Barhom amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of the 36th edition of the Mill Valley Film Festival.

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