Movie Review: Lemon Tree

ETZ LIMON (LEMON TREE)
Main players: Hiam Abbass, Ali Suliman, Rona Lipaz-Michael, et al.
Calling the shots: Eran Riklis
Running time: 106mins
What's it about? When the defence minister moves in next door and is advised that the lemon grove owed by a widow is a security risk, she must do what ever it takes to protect the lemon grove, that has been in her family for generations, from being chopped down. With the help of a local lawyer she goes up against the government to stand up for her rights and her lemon grove.

What did I think? Based on a true story, this has more of a political agenda then I would have liked, but it still is a well made drama. The emotion of the situation is present through out the film and it also touches on other issues, such as the forbidden love-relationship between the widow and her lawyer, and the overall pointless-ness of it all.

There is also an unspoken bond between the two female leads. The widow and the defence minister's wife (who sympathises with her). They never have a conversation in the movie, but the connection is as strong as anything else and the credit there has to go to the actors. They all seem to invest emotionally into their roles and it shows with each performance as great as the next.

Story wise, it moves along quite smoothly. No particular peaks or troughs. Some of the subplots are well handled (the love-relationship) but at certain points poorly handled. The light that shines on them as they share a forbidden kiss is all too tacky. The message would have been loud and clear with out it.

It's not a great film but it is good. The ending is rather sad and finishes with a lingering image that speaks volumes about the real life situation in that area.

60%