Michael Sheli

I saw this film for a class of mine. It is quite interesting. It is a slice of life from 1950s Israel. The story centers around Chana. There is much in the way of symbolism throughout the movie. I think this would interest movie lovers who enjoy mood, atmosphere, culture, and characters. This movie reminded me of some Indian Art features I have seen. Movies that were called parallel cinema in India. Efrat Lavie who plays Chana acts very well. She appears completely passive but the story is carried on her shoulders. Michael is the other character, he is first portrayed as a geology student and then as a teacher. It was fascinating the see the recreation of 50s Israel and the overall atmosphere.

The Movie is as Good as The Book like Zorba was also a Special Book and Movie. Amos Oz writes "My Michael"in the eyes of a Women. He a Geology Student - She Literature - Love at First sight. But they Drifted Apart as they lived in Different Worlds. In the Background is Divided Jerusalem 1948-1967 (Not 1950ś as Some Wrote). Chana has Halucinations when she sees The Young Arabs. This is a Love Novel on the Background of Six Day War 1967 when Jerusalem was Reunited. Amos Oz - like me Want Peace in Jerusalem. The Photography by Adam Greenberg is on Location in Jerusalem Built in 1950ś with Historical Sights. Read the Book and See Film! Even if you are not Israeli. Compare too David Grossman more Recent Book and Movie Someone to Run With 2006.

But it's still a good adaptation of Amos Oz' novel. Plot wasn't a strong point there either. It's the characters that make the story, and Efrat Lavie in particular does an excellent job with her portrayal of Chana.

Hard to find, but worthwhile if you like modern Israeli literature or film.

It's not a great film, but you really should see it for Oded Kotler's wonderful performance: quiet and disturbing. The movie does have good scenes. You should also see the much better Three Days and a Child for which Oded Kotler won best actor award at Cannes Film Festival.