The Band's Visit

The Band’s Visit (Eran Kolirin, Israel, 2007) ★★★★

As the word cards at the beginning of the film, Once-not long ago-a small Egyptian police band arrived in Israel. Not many remember this. This film is meant to let more people know this very simple, but very socially inspiring story. It not only erases the line religions put on for humans but also even adds some warmth of mutual comforting under the undeniable fact that human beings are all lonely individuals.

The Egyptian band that weren’t emphasized got to an unknown town in the margin area in Israel by accident. The band leader, Tawfig, who deals with things extremely cautious, had to accept the suggestion by the member, Haled, who got them into this situation in the first place which makes Tawfig despites him even more, and stay over for the night in the houses of the welcoming restaurant hostess and the other 2 residents. But it accidentally became an opportunity for him to open the lonely heart after hidden for years.

Israel, like Romania, produced many excellent films in these couple of years, is acclaimed with this film this year internationally. Besides the FIPRESCI Prize in Un Certain Regard category at Cannes, it also won the best picture at this annual’s Tokyo Film Festival. The insightful observation on humanity by Kolirin is very similar to the humor of passion beneath the cold tone by Aki Kaurismäki. And it has a bit more touching that fills everywhere.

Recently becoming the best actor winner at the European Film Award, Sasson Gabai made this role natural and unforgettable. Every move that seems without any notice gives the film many extra credits. Haled who seems irritating at the beginning were portrayed lovely by Saleh Bakri. He makes people like this character from the bottom of their heart. Ronit Elkabetz, who played the restaurant hostess, gave the passion and sorrow the role should have.

Excepting the people of Israel and Egypt, who are against each other because of the different religions since ever, had understand mutually through this one short day and crossed the boundary that was difficult to obey, the nature that human beings are hard to communicate were even got rid of the coldness of solitude because of the temporary mutual connections. Not many remember this story, because it wasn’t that important, but actually it’s the most important story that let us know we can be less lonely to live in this world.