Purely Joyful Movie!
Am i the only one who thinks........Average?
A Major Disappointment
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
View MoreSand Storm may not be a masterpiece of world cinema. Perhaps more distinctive art films claim their place on that stage. This movie takes a naturalistic approach to its story, depicting development in a straightforward way without auteur splashes. It offers a big dose of realism about a tough subject and tough circumstances. Perhaps that doesn't appeal to a more casual audience.But this is absolutely a perfect movie. How is it perfect? First of all, every moment, every scene, every line of dialogue propels the story forward in a meaningful, forceful, convincing, and deeply human way. Deeply human? Yes. The characters are thoroughly human and complex, fully imagined and developed, both in the writing and the excellent performances. The story itself is constructed in a highly economical, brilliant way. For example, the reversal in dynamism between 'stern mother' and 'indulgent father' is not only interesting in terms of development; those shifts are utterly convincing as they arise organically from dynamics internal to the story and to the (highly difficult) circumstances each character finds her or himself in. It's impressive to witness the artistry of these shifts, how well though out, convincing, and how inspired it all is. The major characters are all in deep conflict with each other, and enough is given to us to understand and sympathize with each of their positions. That's uncommon in stories, in any story, whether novels or movies. This is an admirable achievement.The climactic moment, the moment of momentous decision for the daughter Layla, this is fantastic: she drives the family truck as her means of breaking away from her father's demands, but it is precisely in driving this truck where we first saw how her father fostered her independence and self-sufficiency in ways unseemly for a young woman in their village society. The 'vehicle' by which he helped give her independence of spirit is the very vehicle by which she flees his (or his society's) oppression. Wow.While it's not showy, it's a deeply inspired film, full of artistry and moving, human meaning.
View MoreThis film is about a young Bedouin girl named Layla who is struggling to become free from old traditions, and trying to keep her love for Lamis a secret. Throughout the majority of this film Layla was trying her hardest to keep Lamis a secret from her family especially her mother. This film was not my favorite film I have watched. This film was extremely slow, and many of the scenes did not grab and hold my attention with something exciting. I like how this film took place in Israel because a few years ago I visited Israel, and I thought it was cool how I could relate to the locations and religion. One major theme in this film was how the main characters did not have much to do. In my opinion this made the film boring because there was not a lot action involved. There was only one conflict in this film which was how Layla was trapped between her secret love and her family. This whole film was tied around one main theme which was choice. I would recommend this film to someone who is not looking for a lot of action or exciting scenes.
View MoreThe movie starts with a man and his daughter driving into town. At first his daughter is driving but as soon as they get to town the dad starts driving because it is illegal for women to drive. This sets the tone for the movie. We come to the fathers second wedding, so he has two wives now. He leaves the first wife with the kids at a house and goes to a new house with the new wife. He is absent much of the movie but comes back to meet the boy his daughter loves. He scares the boy away, never to be seen for the rest of the movie. And forces his daughter, Layla, to marry Munir, a man from the town. Layla starts to run but right before she gets to her boyfriend she stops her car and goes back because she realizes that she really can't run anywhere.
View MoreThe film Sand Storm directed by Elite Zexer is a drama different than other drama films I have seen. Since the setting of this film is in Bedouin Village in Israel, their living environment and customs are absolutely different apart from my life. While Jaila is preparing wedding for her husband and his second wife, Jaila's daughter, Layla fells in love. However, when Jaila finds out, she does not want Layla to see her boyfriend again. Layla has ran away, but she stops and still comes back for the arranged marriage her family made for her. I was very touched when I saw the scene of Jaila actually allows Layla to run away. Although Layla's escape is going to damage her family relationships, she still respects her daughter's decision. I think the reason she allows Layla to run away is because Jaila does not like her marriage, and she does not want to put her daughter in the same situation as herself. However, this film as a whole has a very sad atmosphere. I would rate this film a 7 out of 10 because I am not used to the pace of this movie.
View More