The Band's Visit details
| Format: | 12 DVD |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Saleh Bakri, Ronit Elkabetz, Sasson Gabai, Uri Gavriel, Imad Jabarin, Ahuva Keren |
| Director: | Eran Kolirin |
| Genres: | Comedy, Drama, World Cinema - Middle East |
| Studio: | SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
The Band's Visit |
12 Feature |
DVD Information
| Run time: | 1 hour 25 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | 25 Aug 2008 |
| Main languages: | Hebrew, English |
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Most helpful review
Genuinely touching. Superb.
By enfilade (2 reviews) from York , 31 Jan 2008[Highly rated reviewer]
An Egyptian Police Band is asked to perform at a cultural event in Israel, but finds itself in the wrong location. The feature itself is a markedly heartfelt snapshot of the relationships formed by the strangers and the community they find themselves in. There is subtle reference to the recent conflicts between the Egyptian and Israeli peoples, but the focus is centred more on the nuances of human behaviour and interaction.
In this sense, the film is a huge success, with writer-director Eran Korilin able to examine both the exciting tribulations of early adulthood and the tired awkwardness of communication between the older generations with equal clarity. Sasson Gabai is exquisitely understated as the world-weary Lt. Col. Tawfiq, and is backed up by a superb supporting cast including notable performances from Ronit Elkabetz as a helpful restaurant-owner and Imad Jabarin as the youngest member of the band with a taste for women.
Perhaps the film's only failing is that it leaves you wanting more. At a brief 87 minutes one feels that perhaps the talent on offer could justify a longer running time, though the very nature of the film is focused on fleeting encounters and this is what we are given as an audience. A thought-provoking and touching film: it's insight into a part of the world that is largely mis-understood and under-represented in the UK make this essential viewing for fans of good cinema.- Was this review helpful to you?
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(43)Beauty of ordinary
By cassettepet (5 reviews) , 10 Apr 2012Understated and completely charming film, great sense of humour with a melancholy undercurrent. The scenery and locations are beautifully shot, giving an insight into ordinary Israeli life. The Egyptian band members are appealing and convincing- the mix of languages spoken works really well and makes this an absorbing film. Nothing major happens, it is understated and well observed - all about the details and mundanity of real life and ordinary people.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Shades of Captain Mainwaring
By Oldbloke (308 reviews) from Sidmouth , 01 Mar 2012Egyptian Police Band arrive in Israel for a concert, but the reception committee never arrives. Their disciplinarian conductor takes control, but they end up in the wrong town and have to be accommodated by some far from happy locals. Director doesn't try to put the world to rights, nothing much happens, but through the course of one evening characters and their stories emerge. Opening half hour is superb, very funny, beautifully acted. Tawfiq, the proud, stiff, exasperrated leader is quietly hilarious. I felt the second half of the movie was too slow and ponderous and I couldn't understand why the magnificent Dina would be left alone anywhere for very long. Still, absolutely loved it.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Okay and Fun, but just Okay
By Onlyests (57 reviews) , 20 Nov 2011Quirky and fun. A fun take on a clash of cultures where people discover how everyone is just like everyone else, yet somehow special too. It was a charming movie, but doesn't leave you with a lot to talk about.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Lovely funny film
By a customer , 25 Sep 2011Great acting - the characters say a lot with their expressions and there are some very funny scenes. It's filled with gentle humour, and behind that there are hints of some of the tragedies and losses of human life and the desire we have for contact and warmth. The conductor reminds me of Walter Matthau...Lovely film!- Was this review helpful to you?
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A Lovely Film
By Pilgrim05 (28 reviews) from Hebden Bridge , 21 Mar 2011I didn't really know what to expect from this, and I was enchanted and really glad I watched it. It is full of humanity and kindness. Beautifully shot and acted it was a lovely experience.- Was this review helpful to you?
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