Search - Divine Intervention on DVD

Fantasy from the heart of bleakness

Sarah Bellum | Dublin, OH United States | 01/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie certainly makes its points in dramatic (i.e. tragic and humorous) fashion. Most of the people in this movie repeat the same, monotonous deeds every single day, always with the same stoic, blank expressions. Their lives have been so affected by the terrible situation of life in Israel and Palestine that they have become inured to its heartrending circumstance. The filmmaker uses humor to absurdly illustrate how inhumane the entire situation is: drivers are forced at the checkpoint (and at gunpoint) to arbitrarily trade cars with one another, merely on the whim of one of the checkpoint guards. They are berated verbally and treated as children or animals, simply for wanting to access a certain destination. Familiar though it all is, we want to cry over these indignities; yet, the way the film is made we are given permission to laugh at the absurdity of it. Two elderly men sit silently and passively as an eccentric man defends his house from neighbors by creating a pothole to halt his car. The apparent apathy the two elderly men display belies what the two have undoubtedly experienced during their lifetimes. None of this surprises them, nor does it compare to the worst they have seen. My guess would be their attitude appears to mirror that of the filmmaker. The director seems to have moved beyond feeling angered by the situation to a feeling of despair. Perhaps this is why the only resistance in the film takes the form of either humor or fantasy. No point in fighting. No realistic hope to overcome. Life is futile. Only thing to do is laugh. Although I enjoyed watching the film, it took quite some time for me to adjust my viewing style to that of the film. I am so used to the instant gratification and transparency of most US and western world films; this film takes it time in making its points and makes the viewer work a little for the rewards it does offer. It is so deliberate that after a while I began to wonder if it would ever get around to making a point, yet it left me thinking about it afterward and liking it more and more as I did. While probably not for everyone, I would recommend this film for those seeking something entirely substantially different. Not very many extras on the DVD, though there is an interview with the director and the transfer is very good."

OCCUPATION thru the lens of SURREALITY!

Desertwriter | 06/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A comic tragic love story set in the midst of long term occupation of Palestine...with the beautiful dead-pan of protagonist/director Elia Suleiman. A film that integrates into one's neurons and gut, makes one laugh out loud and sigh with
despair...nearly all at the same time! I've watched this film so many times, never tiring of its "under your skin" connection even at the most absurd moments. I began watching it with a Western analytical approach but soon learned that this story MUST be appreciated slowly from the heart and soul..it then seeps into all the pours and cells to a clarity that only a "parable" could deliver. A superb soundtrack!"

A Must See

Raed A. Sabha | USA | 08/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everyone (wether he/she is pro Palestine or pro israel) should watch this movie. With the exception of few scenes, the movie reflects the daily life of Palestinians under the israeli occupation."

Brilliant movie

Hussain Abdul-Hussain | Washington,DC USA | 02/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This excellent film depicts the life of the Palestinians under occupation. Viewers must keep in mind that this film was a joint production of more than one group, including an Israeli cultural fund.
This is not to discredit the work. On the contrary, Elia Suleiman makes the most of his resources as he tells the story of occupation. Such occupation, according to Suleiman, has bred so much frustration among Palestinians that has resulted in their most-of-the--time incomprehensible behavior and redundant routine.
In the movie, you will see short-fused Palestinians using foul language all the time while driving, chain smoking even inside hospitals, throwing garbage at each others house garden space and so on.
The downside of the film, however, was its surreal dimension which was most of the time unexplainable. When Suleiman throws an apricot on an Israeli tank causing it to explode or when a balloon with Arafat's picture on it travels over Jerusalem all the way over the Dome of the Rock are all scenes that seem to be irrelevant.
Surrealism hits a peak when, during a training session for a group of Israeli commandos, Palestine appears in the shape of Jesus and a consequent ninja battle ensues. Again, such surreal scenes were most of the time out of context for an average viewer.
Yet, the movie is one of a kind on the market and all those who are interested in learning about some Palestinian daily life should consult this work."