Rent The Band's Visit (2007)

Brilliant, Intelligent, Unusual, Funny and Sad Israeli Movie - The Band's Visit review by PV

This film will not appeal to those who like CGI effects, fast paced action, fastcut editing. They will moan and whinge that the plot is slow and boring, when perhaps it is they that those adjectives best apply to.

And who would seriously expect actors to be expert musicians anyway? I have seen far worse miming in BBC dramas.

In fact, this is an intelligent and thoughtful film, highly enjoyable, funny, with some laugh out loud ironic moments, sad in parts, and nicely structured, filmed and acted. It is possibly the best movie I have ever seen that addresses the Arab/Israeli conflict and tensions, and reminded me a bit of the best novel I have ever read on the issue (Lionel Davidson's 'Smith's Gazelle').

This is a lovely, gentle intelligent film, based on character, which progresses well to a satisfying ending.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Small budget and slow - The Band's Visit review by JD

Many films are based around singers or musicians because of the obvious advantage of musical interludes. I find it distastful when the actors have obviously never seen the instrument before or when the singer makes little effort to mime convincingly. When it is a film with very average actors you hope that they are in fact musicians. In this film there are few musical interludes, which is a blessing as they are poor.

Why did this film get so many accolades. Probably back-handers, but also some interesting understated acting in a desolate and boring setting with a slow plot makes for a surreal experience.