A House Divided

I would have to say I near sicked up in my mouth a little over this movie. Essentially it would have to have been scripted out the back of a church by a committee of people who want to do good but really just have no clue as to how to craft a screenplay. I thought this movie was simply awful. So completely contrived and full of holes within the plot it was just a tragedy. If the way the film presented the Israel and Palestine crisis was as it is in the film we would have no problem sorting it out. Unfortunately the candy floss fairytale this movie tries to be makes a mockery I believe, of one of the longest standing unresolved disputes between 2 peoples in the history of humanity. If you never swear, go to Church regularly and believe it's not too late to recycle then this movie is for you. Or if you want to play a trick on someone with great taste in cinema - tell them this is unmissable. Sorry for being negative, I'm sure the writers and actors and crew etc are all lovely God fearing people.

This is not a typical "war movie" as depicted on the cover art. As others have already pointed out, this is a Romeo and Juliet story - set in the backdrop of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The film fleshes out the main characters with considerable subtlety in the first few minutes, (perhaps missed by some viewers); a Jewish-American man who is apathetic towards Judaism and a liberated "Palestinian"-Arab woman who is disenchanted with the leadership of her own cause and who idolized her Christian-Arab doctor mother. While these qualities are hammered home a little later in the movie, it is they that allow the protagonists, like many in real life, to ultimately step outside the supposed stereotypes of their respective cultures and seek a solution there to their dilemmas. The film also assumes that the viewer will be conversant with some of the history of the conflict and able to recognize major players, issues and themes without help from the movie itself.

Strong acting from a solid cast including the wonderful F. Murray Abraham, excellent camera-work and some stunning scenery. Actual events are woven into the story; there is even some real-life action footage seamlessly entwined in the film and the considerable amount of action footage created by the filmmaker is very realistic and assured. Likewise, there are many memorable scenes of a more philosophical nature and much food for thought, all in addition to the love story that propels us through the scenery of conflict. (I actually coughed up an extra dollar to keep it an extra night in order to review some of them, like: the customs scene, the funeral rally and my favorite: grandfather and Romi going through the checkpoint.)

The scene of the father and child sheltering behind a barrier is actual footage but the subsequent death of the child has been found to be a hoax, it is known as the "Muhammad al-Durrah incident".

Those who see this based on the "Action" cover art will probably be sorely disappointed and might call it "cheesy" but for those with an interest in the issues - there are a considerable number of visual treats and much meat enclosed is within.

Well worth a watch if you're interested in getting past the normal rhetoric and propaganda in the news and seeing some of the interior of the package.

I must strongly disagree with the two earlier comments and must commend the view for viewing, it is a most entertaining film. Yes, there is discomfort in perhaps associating the Romeo and Juliet story with the Christian and Muslim and Jewish religions in this way but the film delivers.

the bus explosion at the beginning is dramatic and there are many notable scenes depicting Israel and Palestine areas. The recruitment of Rommy as a terrorist is certainly questionable but the screenplay and script work for me and I had tissues plentiful at the ready at the end.

Enjoy the film for what it is, touching on Palestinian sympathies and the right for two people to try and love each other even if from different religions and in the face of opposition. This is a beautiful story in essence. The Israeli questioning at the airport and border control was very flippant but from experience I know that is how it is.

Don't miss this film. By the way, title 'Language of the Enemy' is much more appropriate than 'A House Divided'.

sad but memorable movie.

I loved this movie disregard previous hating comments!!! Its hard for both worlds to believe that this is possible, but it is and people need to make peace with themselves and others. This can never be allowed for either Jews nor Arabs that's why the Jews killed him but this more realistic and true.. Keep an open mind and than judge. The problem in today's world is not the people but corruption and politics both worlds can make peace with one another but ignorance and misguidance is whats blinding both sides. I really appreciate the director for his writing and direction in this movie again keep an open mind and please watch this movie.

and the result is a cheesy 'half comedy' a la Hollywood in the settings of one of our times greatest tragedies. The film starts with a bus bombing and the son of one of the victims are called to his family in Israel. So far the plot works but when Shin Beth recruits him for an intelligence mission to the west bank and he immediately starts a romance with a Palestinian doctor it turns into a romantic comedy spiced with some action scenes. From there it drifts off the initial grave subject into an adventure, romance with stereotypical characters, a jealous Palestinian boyfriend, unfair and traditional father and so on. Don't see this film! If this subject interests you I highly recommend 'Waltz with Bashir' by Ari Folman instead.