The Band's Visit

A winning Israeli film about reconciliation in one of the most volatile, violent regions of the world, writer-director Eran Kolirin's The Band's Visit tells a simple tale about an Egyptian police orchestra—led by solemn, spit-and-polish conductor Tawfiq (Sasson Gabai)—who arrive in Tel Aviv to perform at the opening of an Arab cultural center, but become lost and wind up in a remote desert town. The stranded musicians reluctantly accept lodging from Israeli locals, with Tawfiq and young ladies' man Khaled (Saleh Bakri) staying with diner owner Dina (Ronit Elkabetz), and the others rooming with sad-sack husband Itzik (Rubi Moscovich) and his family. Unexpected bonding occurs over the evening, as outgoing Dina takes reserved Tawfiq out and the pair share confidences about their lives; Itzik and a would-be composer discuss unfulfilled dreams amidst family disorder; and Khaled accompanies socially awkward local Papi (Shlomi Avraham) on a blind date, offering him some helpful advice along the way. By the time the band is ready to leave the next morning, the various parties understand each other—and themselves—a bit better, and we sense that the hostility between the two “sides” has been lessened, if not entirely erased. Obvious lessons abound here—communication is the key to acceptance, small acts of kindness can have enormous effects, music can bridge cultural and political divides—but these observations emerge naturally through tiny gestures and brief snatches of dialogue. The Band's Visit is a quietly introspective film with a wryly humorous tone that's both engaging and gently poignant. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include the 14-minute featurette “The Band's Visit: Making the Fairy Tale,” a photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a small but solid extras package for a winning film.] (F. Swietek)