Customer Reviews

The Bubble

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Israeli movie "The Bubble", a creation of director Eytan Fuchs/Fox and his screenplay-writer husband of 18 years, is a MUST SEE. I've had the DVD since August 2007, because I ordered the Region 2 (PAL) edition directly from Israel. I like it even more every time I watch it. In the film festival circuit, it has been getting standing ovations, and for good reason.

The film works well on a number of levels: It's a very touching gay love story, told without coyness or artifice. It's a very revealing glimpse into both sides of a conflict most of us only hear about on the news. It's a love letter to the modern, hedonistic city that is Tel Aviv. It's a portrait of a group of charming young friends who care deeply for each other, and who I found I really cared about too.

It's also a beautiful plea for peace. At times funny, sad, touching, and always thought-provoking, it's a movie that stays in your thoughts long after it's over.

I have to say I like it even more than "Brokeback Mountain" -- which had a number of aspects I did not like. Back in the days when I thought the Academy Awards actually meant anything, I might have hoped "The Bubble" would win Best Foreign Film. But now that it's clear that an Oscar has no real meaning as an award for true quality, I hope the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs will step in and fill the gap. But you must see this movie!

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict persists and while the world may be aware of the violence surrounding the division of the two countries, few have a clue to the other aspect of the division - the group of people who want peace and work toward eradicating the separation. Eytan Fox, in THE BUBBLE ('Ha-Buah'), has created a much needed alternative viewpoint of the schism, electing to tell a story that contains some fine humor, a lot of love, and a taste of brutal reality. It is a window into a situation that begs for understanding.

In Tel Aviv three close friends are roommates: Lulu (Daniela Virtzer), a beautiful young woman with strong opinions; Yali (Alon Friedman), a very 'out' gay young man who works in a popular café; and Noam (Ohad Knoller), a handsome, somewhat shy fellow who, in addition to his day job in a music shop, is a member of the National Guard and therefore spends his free time serving as a guard at the city's checkpoints. It is during one of these guard duty weekends that he meets a young Palestinian named Ashraf (Yousef 'Joe' Sweid), and a mutual attraction occurs. The three friends decide to 'stowaway' the illegally present Ashraf (whom they nickname with an Israeli name) and while Ashraf and Noam settle into a love relationship, Yali hires Ashraf at his café, and Yali and Lulu both proceed to find love interests, too. All goes well until Ashraf must return home for his sister's wedding. Though in Tel Aviv Ashraf has been able to be openly gay with Noam, life is far different in Jerusalem: Ashraf is told he must marry his sister's groom-to-be sister. In an attempt to rescue Ashraf from his fate, Noam and Lulu disguise themselves as French reporters to gain access to Ashraf. In a moment of supposed seclusion, Noam and Ashraf are discovered kissing by the groom-to-be, and this act gives cause for blackmail in order for Ashraf to remain 'in the closet'.

While the young people in Tel Aviv are dancing at an event to raise attention for peaceful coexistence, an attack occurs in Jerusalem - one that has grave consequences not only immediately, but also in the revenge mission Ashraf must now assume. The ending is tragic on many levels and it underlines just how serious the problem between these two countries is.

The acting is so very natural that from both the comedic and the tragic aspects the audience completely believes in these beautiful young people. The story finds the right balance between the serious and the lighthearted and it is this balance than makes Eytan Fox such a fine writer/director. More people should watch this important and very fine film. In Hebrew, Arabic, and English with subtitles. Grady Harp, February 08

I borrowed this from the local library without knowing anything more than provided by the description on the back of the box. I thought it would be some light, fluffy, Will-and-Grace type comedy, and was pleased to find instead a contemporary tale of star-cross'd lovers.

In a scene that echoes the opening street brawl between the House of Montague and the House of Capulet in Romeo & Juliet, The Bubble begins during an altercation at an Israeli checkpoint. The Palestinian travelers are squabbling with the gruff Israeli soldiers over their treatment, when a woman goes into labor. A young soldier, Noam (Ohad Knoller), tries to deliver the baby, while Ashraf (Yousef 'Joe' Sweid) translates for him and comforts the woman. They notice each other in the moment, but part ways immediately when the baby is born dead.

A disillusioned Noam returns to civilian life, and is enjoying his time with his flat mates when Ashraf appears and returns the Israeli's lost passport. The two go up to the roof of the building, and their relationship takes off from there - in explicit visuals I might add. For those who are wondering about love scenes, gay or otherwise, this movie has both. If male or female nudity, or male-male love scenes truly bother you, you'll probably want to steer clear of The Bubble, though in doing so you will miss a good movie.

The performance of Yousef 'Joe' Sweid is heartbreakingly wonderful and can't help but draw the viewer in. He portrays an endearing innocence in a world hostile to everything Ashraf is, without the character feeling forced or contrived. Such a character not carefully handled can easily appear quaint, and even idiotic to an audience, but here you come to care for a man who seemingly has obstacles at every point on the compass.

It's acting well done, and Sweid is not alone. Daniella Wircer (also sometimes credited as Daniela Virtzer) imbues the token girl friend/flame dame role with a great deal of zest and the two other male leads give good turns in their roles. You start to think of them as family - the way the characters view themselves. They are young, and almost ridiculously idealistic, but they instill hope in the viewer, even when we know how star-crossed love stories play out.

If you've an open mind, it's two hours well spent.

This is a truly amazing film on so many levels. As a narrative, it is deeply poignant as you find yourself connecting with the characters in their joys, pains, frustrations, love and passions. As a love story between two gay men across conflicting borders, it raises political and moral questions of citizenship and the role of the State. As a representation of conflict in the Middle East, it paints a portrait of the human side of those caught in the mix of turmoil, those dreaming of a life of peace where they can simply be. These are the images we rarely see in mainstream news, but are strung together in a beautiful film that will make you think and it will draw out feelings and emotions from all ends of the spectrum. The Bubble is a blend of current events, politics, philosophy, excitement, sorrow, humor and wit, relationships, and much much more. This is a true piece of art.

I've been a fan of Eytan Fox since I saw the tragic love story, "Yossi and Jagger". I wasn't aware of "The Bubble" until I saw a review of it in a recent catalogue. As luck would have it, a local video store just added a copy and I snatched it up.

Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed although I must admit, the inevitable ending broke my heart. The story follows three young Israelis who share an apartment in Tel Aviv. From their history, it seems there has been a revolving door of failed romances. However, after a fateful meeting at a checkpoint between Noam, one of the roommates, and Ashraf, a Palestinian, a true love begins to blossom. Fox makes the romance very real and watching the two young men from very different worlds fall in love is handled tenderly----a deep contrast to the violence that surrounds the city they live in (their perfect little "bubble").

Though Ashraf has no Israeli ID, the roommates keep him in their apartment and arrange a job for him to stay in the city. Once his identity is blown, though, he panics and returns home to prepare for the upcoming wedding of his sister. His sister, Rana, is engaged to Jihad, a radical, who believe terrorism is the means to getting the message across to the Israelis. In a couple of horrible events that affects both Noam and Ashraf, the end of the two lovers short-lived utopia is set in motion. The final scene between Noam and Ashraf was heart rendering and left me unsettled and wishing that the troubles in that very complex and volatile region could be solved once and for all. But as Ashraf's voice over says "They probably never will."

Its a shame that the Oscars didn't recognize an amazing film like this in their "foreign film" category. This film is as good as "Brokeback Mountain" or any of the other contenders and, in my opinion, shows their continued closed-mindedness to gay themed movies. The moments between Noam and Ashraf are sincere and as loving as you'll see in any other film dealing with romance. By the ending, you are praying the two will find a way to be together, away from the horrible killings and death that seems to be a part of every day life in the middle east.

Three of the actors were standouts. Ohan Knoller, also of "Yossi and Jagger" is very good as the mellow, music loving Noam. Knoller gives Noam a very layed back and easy going persona, who's also sensitive and kind. He's a very charming actor and I look forward to seeing him in more roles. Also, the beautiful and equally charming, Daniela Wircer, (as one character calls her "an Israeli Carrie Bradshaw"), who is looking for Mr. Right but keeps ending up with losers (although Mr. Right is right under her nose!) Finally, Yousef Sweid, as the handsome Palestinian who steals Noam's heart. Sweid does a great job as a young man torn between his first real love and his culture, which views homosexuality with abhorrence and disdain. His sister's reaction was so sad for me to watch, showing that this young man had no one in his corner in the world in which he grew up.

Some will find the ending very controversial but I found it just sad and an unfortunate reality of our world today. I hope you will take time to see this movie and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I will certainly be adding this film to my dvd collection. Highly recommended.

I have. For many years, and many years ago. The situation has two sides, and seeing the big picture does not mean that one is either Anti and For, just able to feel the pain and unjust of both parties.

This film is amazing.
The soundtrack, which is out in Israel, is awesome too.

After all, it's all about relationships and how we communicate.

The Bubble This film contains "food for thought". Even though it is an "Adult" classification, the story-line is profound.

A young Israeli man and a young Palestinian man are in a relationship. The film explores the various effects this relationship has on a number of friends of the Israeli and a family member of the Palestinian.

After watching the film, I found myself thinking about the actual message of the film, basically a wish for PEACE.

Very watchable with an unexpected ending.

The '07 Israeli film `The Bubble' was at times a rather difficult film for me to watch. The reason for my difficulty has nothing to do with the quality of filmmaking or acting, it's the homosexual content within the storyline. Not being of the gay persuasion this is the first film I've watched which displays physical contact between two males (no I haven't seen `BrokeBack Mountain'). Movies such as the `70's cult classic `The Boys in the Band' are easier to deal with, discussing homosexuality is not by any means the same as observing the physical act.

To be honest what initially drew me to `The Bubble' was the beautiful, unknown young woman on the cover (Daniela Virtzer), the subject matter of life in modern day Israel (Tel Aviv) and the explosive relationship between Jew and Arab as seen from an insiders perspective.

Now after watching `The Bubble' in its entirety I must admit that this is indeed a finely crafted, beautifully delivered tale of life, love and Middle East politics that's definitely worth viewing. The storyline is superb, the cast excellent and the ending poignant and totally unpredictable. Definitely not for everyone, especially children but if your open minded and looking for something challenging, thought provoking and surprisingly tender give this one a try.

P.S.: The sexual sequences are actually quite discreet and lacking in that overt, voyeuristic shock factor that might keep viewers away.

'The Bubble' is at its best when detailing the everyday life of idealistic, self-absorbed young Tel Aviv residents who feel removed from the harsher realities of the Israeli/Arab conflict. The scenes depicting the sweet, somewhat dreamy romance that unfolds between Noam, an Israeli reservist and record store clerk, and Ashraf, a Palestinian, are a pleasure to watch unfold. One of my favorite scenes is when Noam first introduces Ashraf to his roommates, and then takes Ashraf up to the rooftop and introduces him to his city."Tel Aviv, Ashraf; Ashraf, Tel Aviv".

Fans of Eytan Fox's earlier movie 'Yossi and Jagger' will be happy to see Ohad Knoller (Noam) portray another star-crossed lover. But while part of the charm of 'Yossi and Jagger' was the sometimes charged interactions between the effusive Jagger and the reserved Yossi, the romance between Noam and Ashraf is more muted. Noam tells Ashraf that they are "explosive" together, but their passion is more talked about than seen. I thought it would have been more interesting, and more believable, if Ashraf and Noam had argued about music, politics, religion, ANYTHING. Instead, they seem to be a couple completely devoid of conflict.

The charming romance ends abruptly soon after Ashraf returns to Nablus for his sister's wedding and a chain of events is unleashed that will change the lives of all of its characters. It is here when the movie begins to falter. I thought the final third of the movie was marred by too many improbable coincidences and by an implausible and, to my mind, nihilistic ending.

Even with these flaws, I would still recommend 'The Bubble', because it has more spirit and life in it than many more well-crafted movies do.

This movie achieves so much. At its core, it is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The two main characters come from opposite ends of their society and experience an especially forbidden love. The movie explores that love and its implications while providing a commentary on the harsh reality of modern life in Israel. The political and literal state of life in a war zone is on full display and shows the pain, fear and anger of all players. The director manages to reveal the underlying temperament of Arab and Israeli societies while clearly presenting the sometimes surrealistic denial of the nation's situation that one finds in the "island" of Tel Aviv. The title refers to that state of separation that Tel Aviv perpetuates but it also refers to the characters' suspension in a miasma of war. This is a great film as a love story, a gay love story, a snapshot of Israeli life, and as a commentary about the human heart and it's capacity for love and pain.