Lugares santos

If this work was based on an actual family's story it might have resonated better but, Amanda Sthers, seemingly fictional story, tends to miss its mark.

The writing style tries way too hard to be 'trendy/modern' as well as too often jarringly 'different' for its own sake- this tends to make it rather more boring than involving, IE; why did the main character choose 'Pig' farming in Israel?

With a more conventional approach it might have been more human, As is, it's just too overloaded with 'political' statements about certain elements of modernity, and unsure of its connections with the past (as it tends to perhaps need more of) Has moments of thoughtfulness but, not enough to cut through the convoluted melodramatics to make you fully care.

In my opinion, this is the type of movie that should have worked a lot better than it did.

With seasoned fine actors like James Caan Tom Hollander, Rosanna Arquette, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers one would think that even more so. However, the characters here are too superficial, the thematic elements often fall into melodrama, and there are a number of scenes that are just head-shakingly bad.

For example, Caan's character, the cantankerous Harry, who as you probably know by now has moved to Israel to run a pig farm, has not heard from his daughter (Efrat Dor) for a little while as she's traveling to meet him at the farm. So when she finally shows up, what does he do? Hug her:? No! He slaps her hard across the face. Huh? Other than that scene, there's no other traces of Harry being abusive physically.

Overall, there are some moments that work here, but for the most part I thought the film came across as frustrating, even annoying and just didn't work.

A good film about family relationships, about caring for the family while one is alive. The movie is probably best for those with adult children. A calm and delicate presentation also with humor.

Holy Lands is a delightful and realistic film about friendship, family problems and love. The chemistry between the rabbi and the doctor is a joy to watch as their friendship develops. The cast are all tremendous actors and work well together. Jonathan Rhys Meyers in his small role brings a freshness and it's the best film he's done in a long time.

Not particularly shallow either. It's just trying way too hard. Holy Land expects to tick off the viewers emotions in a box like fashion - emotions don't work like that. Viewing it more resembles an awkward dating experience than the emotional rollercoaster it is trying to be.