THE BAND'S VISIT (2007)

 

Written & Directed by: Eran Kolirin  Cinematography: Shai Goldman  Editor: Arik Leibovitch

Cast: Sasson Gabai, Ronit Elkabatz, Saleh Bakri, Khalifa Najour, Rubi Moskovitz, Uri Gavriel, Hilla Sarjon 

A band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, only to find themselves lost in the wrong town.

It took me some time to finally watch this movie. Now I am kicking myself for talking so long. As this film is low key magical. That might be best to discover without knowing too much. Even as the title says it all.

The film sneaks up on you the more you spend time with the film and it’s characters. The more depth you realize and feel underneath all the layers That you are charmed. 

Yet the film is filled with a quiet dignity and sadness. That maintains a distance yet leaves itself at times to be vulnerable.

One of the characters realizes who they want to be but also realizes that he is set in his sadness and no matter how he tries he will never be brought out of it. So he focuses on career as that is all he has to the point of obsession and when he is partly separated. He can see what he is missing and is overcome by the kindness shown when he has not been. 

The woman who tries to help them on his travels and takes an interest in him particularly is the first person he has opened up to. As she seems bored in her day to day and him or at least breaking him might be the first amount of excitement she has had In a while. Even as she is more outgoing and extroverted.

The leader of the band refuses her advances and tries to set up a younger Many to carry out the passion he can’t for her physically.

This film hits you like an alcoholic drink that is caffeinated. Throws you off balance but you can’t help but pay attention.

The film takes it’s time as each of the members of the band goes on a visit and has their own little adventure. That would seem more like footnotes In most film, But all add up to a grand experience 

The film stays quirky yet always seems dipped in sadness. As most characters seem longing for something and that leading to them being stilted emotionally.

Used to a certain Comfort yet longing for more even if just a simple gesture. 

Like the music itself, the film has it’s own rhythm and it's own beats that makes the film not only visually lyrical. It’s a masterpiece of it’s own. Especially as what seems to be said and done with so little. 

Grade: A