David

I watched this movie at a showing in the Montreal World Film Festival and was genuinely impressed.

In weaving together a story of the complexities of the relationship between Jewish and Muslim communities in New York, this film escapes the traps of varying prejudices or propaganda to shine an ingenuous light on a deeper and more hopeful human understanding through the authentic actions of a boy caught between the different expectations of conformity brought by the adult world around him.

Scene selection, cutting, and facial expression all contribute to a realistic but still moving look at human interaction. While the acting was impressive all around, Muatasem Mishal, the young actor who played the leading role of Da'ud, offers a superb performance that brings a depth of meaning to the screen with relatively little dialogue.

An excellent, authentic film. Highly recommended.