Time of Favor

Israel's embattled West Bank settlements near Jerusalem provide the setting for this timely but middling drama dealing with a plan to blow up a sacred temple site. Surprisingly, it's not the Palestinians bent on violence, but rather Orthodox radicals who all too liberally interpret the admonitions of their beloved Rabbi Meltzer (Assi Dayan, son of renowned general Moshe). Detracting from the more engaging storyline is a trite love triangle with a bespectacled yeshiva student--who is unable to win over the rabbi's attractive daughter (she prefers a handsome Israeli soldier)--getting sucked into the terrorist plot. A cautionary parable about the threat of fundamentalism, the film has won many awards in its home country. Presumably, the competition wasn't too stiff. An optional purchase. (T. Rich)