25th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

[hengcs]

It runs from July 21 to Aug 8.
see list of films
http://test.sfjff.com/festival/index.php?id=2

I have watched Campfire and may re-edit my reviews .
http://www.filmwurld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1244&highlight=campfire

I will also watch Or.

Any other recommendations?

Anyone else going?

[arsaib4]

I wouldn't miss Simone Bitton's Wall. It's an ironic documentary on, well, the "wall" being built by Israel. I also want to see Or (my tresure). Looking forward to your reviews.

[hengcs]

Or (2004) (Israel)

Director: Keren Yedaya
Cast: Dana Ivgy, Ronit Elkabetz

At the Cannes Film Festival 2004, it garnered the Camera d'Or for the Best First Feature Film
see
http://www.festival-cannes.com/news_archive.php?langue=6002&actu=2825&retour=index.php

The official website is here
http://www.kino.com/or/


In a sentence, the story revolves around a young girl (named Or) who worked laboriously to rid her mother of prostitution on the streets …


What is good?
-- The gritty realism of the entire film. It is not judgmental about its various characters, but simply relate how society is … there are some grave messages about the plight of women, the depressing state of society … in a way, it also challenged the notion of choice and choiceless … do we always or really have a choice in life?
-- In my humble opinion, the film ends well, but it is gonna remind you of some other films. Unfortunately, telling you would constitute a major spoiler … hiaks hiaks hiaks
-- I thought the realism is also corroborated by the use of minimum camera movement and minimum music.
-- Last, the two female leads carried their roles very well! You will be convinced by their performance.


What may be problematic …
-- Much of the socio-political issues (if any) have to be inferred … but hey, look at it this way, the story could happen anywhere …
-- As the first half of the film is more about their daily life and the second half more plot driven, some may wonder where it is going … but hey, patience does pay off … I actually thought the initial half helps to provide depth to the characters, their relationship, their dilemma and struggle …


Conclusion:
In sum, I recommend the film!
Even if you do not understand the socio-political issues involved, the film tells a nice story about a mother and a daughter …
;)