Et il y eut un matin

Prisons come in a variety of forms - some imposed on us, others self-created - but, regardless of how they materialize, they all have the same impact: a means for keeping us locked in place. The myriad permutations they embody and the ways in which they affect the members of a family and their community provide the focus for acclaimed writer-director Eran Kolirin's latest. This gentle comedy-drama follows the lives of a rural community populated almost exclusively by Palestinians located within Israel's borders that suddenly and inexplicably goes on lockdown for an indefinite period of time, preventing anyone from leaving or entering. As the ordeal wears on, residents begin running out of supplies and their nerves become progressively frayed, prompting a growing number of standoffs, confrontations, revelations and even reconciliations as the characters all seek to free themselves from their confines, be they physical, emotional, psychological or relationship-oriented. But, as troubling as all this may sound, events unfurl in unexpected ways, often laced with humor, satire and heartfelt emotion. Developments tend to evolve somewhat slowly, but the payoffs are definitely worth it in a story that's beautifully told and photographed, backed by a gorgeous original score. Admittedly the picture tends to be somewhat episodic at times, but it manages to cover all its bases and leaves no narrative threads unresolved. This Un Certain Regard Award nominee from the 2021 Cannes Film Festival seems to have taken a rather long time to make it to general release, but the wait was definitely worthwhile, a touching, sincerely realized work and a genuinely heartrending cinematic gem, one of the finest films to come out of Israel in quite a while.

"Let It Be Morning" is a thought-provoking film that slowly builds towards a powerful conclusion. The movie, directed by Jewish Israeli filmmaker Eran Kolirin and based on a novel by Palestinian writer Sayed Kassua, explores the daily lives of a Palestinian family living in Israel during a time of political tension.

The film opens with a scene at a wedding reception, where we are introduced to the main characters and their struggles. The story primarily focuses on the older brother, Sami, who is torn between his personal life and the political realities of the world around him.

The film sheds light on the class tensions within the community, and how certain people are worried about losing everything they have gained if they become involved in the conflict. Sami becomes a symbol of the moneyed class's unwillingness to get involved, but also a nexus for all the tensions as the story progresses.

Despite being a departure from Kolirin's previous work, "Let It Be Morning" is a well-crafted film that delves into the personal and political elements of the story and how they are intertwined. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is definitely worth watching for those who appreciate films that tackle complex social and political issues.

The characters grow on you over the course of the movie, so by the end you really feel the connection. Complex and ambiguous.. Acting is excellent. Well worth watching.