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[rating:4/5]

Running Time: 1 hr. 26 min.

Release Date: February 8, 2008

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language

Starring: Saleh Bakri, Khalifa Natour, Ronit Elkabetz, Rubi Moscovich and Imad Jabarin.

Directed by: Eran Kolirin.

A film which has a great sense of grace it feels like the collar of the General. Here is a set of people who represent the Alexander Ceremonial Orchestra who are lost in Israel. They play music by Um Kulthoum, Farid who are the product of an older generation of music. People have sort of got fed up of this generation of great players. But this band keeps moving around spreading this beautiful music. It is headed by a commander who has lost a lot of things in his life. But he still holds on to his ideals even after all that is happened. There is also a streak of magic realism with some of the characters and the town itself. It almost prides itself by saying it doesn’t have any culture whatsoever. But the truth here is most of the people are lonely. Loneliness is the solemn refuge these band members relate to and helps them cope. They have a single day with this town folk before they have to do a performance in another town. They take refuge in this town with the help of a beautiful and dreamy lady Dana. She holds the gaze of the general and takes him through an emotional trip he will never forget. There are a lot of things which are broken in Dana. She could be everyman dream lady maybe even a martyr but in this age she is just a woman who is just desperate to be loved. She is strong yet gentle but never admits to her loneliness which is said only through her eyes.

This movie is sort of a musical but not in strictest sense of the word. The music is beautiful and even enchanting at times. But some of the characters in this really stand out. For instance Dana with all her insecurities has a charm which might win the hearts of many. Her chemistry with the general is extremely sensual yet touching. The finale of the music makes you feel uplifted in a very dreamy sort of way. This is a small film but with a heart which dares you to go but its characters cant.