Hanna K.

A daring movie that hits the truth, goes against the stream, and explore the tragedy. The film is well worth watching, especially for those who are only familiar with one side of the conflict. I recommend it for people seeking understanding of the middle east. Hope you enjoy it.

Contrary to the comment by "pusic, Israel" (who may be somewhat biased in not wanting people to know anything about what Palestinians endure), I saw this movie a couple of times many years ago, on 'cable'. Naturally, it has never been shown on regular TV...

It concerns a Palestinian who was accused of something, and who is defended by a Jewish American female lawyer (Jill Clayburgh). It is to be noted that the cast includes both Jewish Israeli and Arab actors, in addition to Jill and French actors.

I found the movie interesting and refreshing in its condition of being an example of something of which we should see a lot more, if Hollywood studios were run by different people. As it is, I can't think of any other movie which relates to the West Bank and/or Gaza and takes place in the times since 1967.

There is a good movie to be made of the Israel-Palestine conflict; but this is not it. The leading character is portrayed as a cipher, whose opinion sways according to which of her lovers -- the public prosecutor, or her Palestinian client -- she most recently slept with. It is an insult to the few Israeli women lawyers courageous enough to defend Palestinian clients, and I think they should sue for defamation.

Although it is laudable that Costa-Gavras attempts to show the suffering, and the struggle, of Palestinians expelled by the nascent Israeli state in 1948, this movie almost reduces them to bit players in the internal conflict of a confused woman. It does a disservice to both the Palestinian struggle and its own heroine. Costa-Gavras should be capable of much better than this tawdry pot-boiler.

Costa-Gavras raises some interesting and valid points here that are just as relevant today as they were 18 years ago.But like all backstage quarterbacks regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict he doesn't offer any suggestions to solve the problem.The real problem with this film though lies in Jill Clayburgh's performance.It never rises above a "TV Movie" level and she drags the whole cast and the story down with her.I think if somebody like Meryl Streep had starred in this picture,it would have been a completely different movie.

Costa-Gavras has superbly captured the mood and atmosphere of Jerusalem and its diverse people in this sombre work. It's an intriguing film for that reason alone. But he also has set a complex story with fascinating characters on that unique stage. You have to work at watching it a bit, but the effort is worthwhile. It's also one of Jill Clayburgh's best roles