Saturday Night Movie
I was feeling pretty confident on Thursday when Doug asked if I wanted to go to a movie on Saturday night. However, about an hour before he picked me up, I had a little anxiety attack about tripping and falling on my crutches or worse, someone stepping on my toes! After a little "you will be fine” talk, I reluctantly proceeded with the evening. The only two movies that even sort-of appealed to me during this post Oscar season, were In Burges and The Band’s Visit, both of which were playing at the historic Harvard Exit Theater (historic meaning not required to have an elevator!) Since only one of it’s theaters is accessible (I was not going to do 2 flights stairs) we left it up to fate to determine which movie we saw…and The Band’s Visit it was!
It was one of those “stop and smell the roses” type of movie. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to be added to your rental queue. Here is the synopsis:Israeli filmmaker Eran Kolirin’s debut feature, THE BAND’S VISIT, is a subtle, heartfelt, and humane work that goes a long way toward dissolving the incredibly complex cultural divide that continues to plague the Middle East. When the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra flies from Egypt to Israel to perform at the opening of an Arab culture center, they are left stranded at the airport. Their leader, Tewfiq, orders the handsome violinist, Khaled, to solve their predicament, but it turns out that he’s gotten the wrong information. By that time, it’s too late. All eight members are left standing alone in a quiet desert town far from their intended destination with no way to get where they need to go. Tired,hungry, and confused, they find shelter at a restaurant run by the pretty but brash Dina. It’s clear that Dina is bored with her lonely life, so she talks Tewfiq into letting the band stay over for the night: he and Khaled will stay with her, and the others will be put up at the home of Itzik. Over the course of the night, Tewfiq and Dina bond, Khaled helps a hapless local discover his inner Romeo, and the other band members find themselves caught up in a domestic situation that is less than perfect. Kolirin perfectly navigates his film’s slice-of-life tone, blending comedy and drama and poignancy without ever succumbing to one completely. In the wrong hands, this material could turn into a quirk-fest that parodies everyday life. Yet under Kolirin’s assured command, it becomes something that feels like life itself. THE BAND’S VISIT is funny, lonely, inspiring, sad, and beautiful all at once.
posted by Gina @ 8:29 PM
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