Hemda

Shemi Zarhin is not only a filmmaker but also a novelist, and he doesn't mind using a large cast of characters in situations not always closely related. In this movie, it takes a while for the central dynamic of the plot to come to the fore while at the same time we figure out the family relationships of some of the characters. Early on, we understand that the male and female lead are in a healthy relationship but beset by challenges. The man loves his wife and at seventy-three he is still desirous of her; he uses the Hebrew word (echoed in the movie's title) that is translated as "covet" in the tenth commandment. And that kind of desire is contrasted, not too strongly, against the insatiable hormones of youth; and there's also the bond between parents and children thrown into the mix, and love out of bounds, and even the lust for money. It makes for a long movie, but it's anchored by two of Israel's most respected actors in the lead roles. There's more than twenty years' difference in their ages, but they deliver the goods.

This is a beautiful film about love and the burdens it entails. Love between couples, love across generations, love that uplifts, love that hurts, love that sacrifices and love that forgives.

The two main characters have such obvious affection for each other it makes us care for them as well. As a result we become emotionally vested very early during the slow reveal of a complex story. Another thing that draws us in is the fact that the story reveal is organic. There is no unnecessary exposition, we learn of the past just as we would in real life- by watching the characters lives unfold.

A few technical notes: -The acting is wonderful.

-The script is touching and well translated.

-The photography is always good and often beautiful especially the softly lit water scenes.

-From the opening rainfall and windshield wipers there is a lot of ambient sound minimally encumbered by unnecessary music. Of these water is the most prominent.

Directing is subtle - nothing gimmicky, you have no sense of artificiality or of intruding into the scene.

I really enjoyed this movie.