Review of The Band's Visit (2007) by Bill V — 17 Nov 2009
This movie was my second or third trip into Israeli cinema. I thought the movie was supposed to be more comical. I struggled to find the comedy. There were some funny moments but there was a melancholy that just hung in the air a little too heavy. If there was a punchline, I missed it.
The acting was good. The themes of loneliness, wanting, love were very apparent. The movie also made me think of my latest trips to Israel. I am actually afraid of getting lost there. This band of Egyptian musicians seemed to get along fine with their accidental Israeli hosts. What made that possible was the language of music.
It's been done before especially in 1970s made for TV dramas here in the states but lacking the sappy sentimentality which seemed to characterize American Vietnam-era, dovish, let's get along presentations. So I liked the edginess of this film which was communicated more in some of the framing and shooting than in the dialog.
You'll like it if you like seeing Israeli cinema and know of some of the performers. I did like it but it could have hit my funny bone a little more than it did.
This review of The Band's Visit (2007) was written by Bill V on 17 Nov 2009.
The Band's Visit has generally received very positive reviews.
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