Lemon Tree

This film is another proof that the Israeli cinema is thriving and continues to deliver. It shows that Israeli and Palestinian can live and work together, at least in the artistic community. However the situation is more complicated due to politics and bureaucracy. It's the second collaboration between writer and director Eran Riklis and Israeli-Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass after the successful "The Syrian Bride." In this film a Palestinian widow fights the Israeli Establishment to save her lemon grove after the Defence Minister moves next door. The film shows that the Israeli mind set is so far away from the Palestinians despite being so close. It's a clash of opposites where there's hardly any room left for human connection. The two lonely women at the center of the story have so much in common but can't communicate and can only stare at each other from afar. The film is even handed and doesn't shy away of criticizing both sides. It's perfect parable for what's going on, only if the people in power could take a similar point of view as the film and its artist do. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.