Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Gay Love Story, November 15, 2007
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!
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You have to live there to understand fully what it's like., February 20, 2008
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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful love story, February 16, 2008
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.
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