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| Movie Review: The Bubble (Ha-Buah) Alternate Title: Paradise Lost
Story: Yes Virginia, there are
homosexuals in the Middle East contrary to what President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
said about their non-existence in Iran. This breezy, uneven slice of
Israeli - Palestinian life was written and directed by Eytan
Fox and screams lovingly to the contrary. A male Israeli Army reservist meets a Palestinian
man at a checkpoint. Fast forward, they fall in love, work towards peace
in the Middle East in some curious and humorous ways and generally have
one heck of a time. The many problems between the two cultures rears
its ugly head into their lives ever so often to spoil what might be
called paradise. All of the young people in the film are beautiful,
dedicated to peace, love and tock 'n roll. Seeing a film like this allows
non-Israeli's to see life as it exists in the real world instead of
just the aftermath of the suicide bombings and checkpoint horrors that
we are normally exposed to across the wires. I don't want to burst anyone's bubble but the
Middle East dilemma is going to take a lot more than love to fix its
problems. That said, if you like to watch beautiful young people, see
a side of the Middle East most of us never see - check out this entertaining,
though flawed film. Acting: Ohad Knoller,as the Israeli
soldier is adorable, and a fine young actor. Yousef Sweid,
as the Palestinian love interest was also good. The ensemble cast were
all earnest and really fine to look at. including:, Daniela
Wircer (Lulu), Alon Friedmann (Yali), Roba
Blal (Rana) and Shredy Jabarin (Jihad).
Predilection: None
Critters: None
Food: Yummy looking dishes including sweet potato
pancakes, red ripe tomatoes and lots of veggies. Sex Spectrum: There is no Full Monty but plenty of
male on male sex, some hinted female, female sex and one scene of heterosexual
sex.
Blatant Product Placement: Time Out Tel Aviv magazine.
Soundtrack: Fun and appropriate. Opening Titles: The opening scene is a very dramatic
incident at a checkpoint and belies most of the rest of the tone of
the film.
Visual Art: My oh my, the Israeli people are beautiful.
Theater Audience: All men, except me.
Weather: It was nice in Tel Aviv and in Nablus.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: The entire Middle East situation makes
me squirm.
Drift Factor: It was long and cried out for editing.
Predictability Level: High for me.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: A little over the two hour rule.
LOBO HOWLS: 6
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