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Not Quite Jerusalem

1985, Movie, NR, 117 mins

Not Quite Jerusalem: Review

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In NOT QUITE JERUSALEM the world of an Israeli kibbutz is reduced to a few simple-minded cinematic cliches, presenting a stereotypical slice of life that is passed off as significant drama. The episodic story opens as six young people, American and British citizens, arrive in Israel to begin working on a kibbutz. Pacula is an Israeli girl who organizes things for the newcomers and ingratiates them into the community. The group meets other members of the kibbutz, including Finns, Swedes, a South African, and some French girls. Robards, one of the Americans, shares housing with Stewart, a former soldier from Northern Ireland. Robards quickly falls for Pacula; after the usual roadblocks are overcome, an affair begins. Another romance blooms in the kibbutz for Graff, a Jewish-American, and Srinonton, a Japanese girl who lives in the community. This results in near-disaster when Graff's painfully stereotypical parents arrive for a surprise visit. Upon learning that her son is in love with a Japanese girl, Graff's mother, Morris, announces she wishes to cut her throat rather than see her son involved with a Gentile girl. Other parts of this uncomplicated story involve a group trip to Massada, a not-so-entertaining show put on by the volunteers, and a fire within the kibbutz that destroys children's living spaces. Gilbert directs this movie without much thought for the characters or their situation, presenting a kibbutz that is no different from a boarding school or overnight camp. The only really indigenous thing to be found here is the beautifully photographed Israeli scenery, which borders on travelog material rather than background setting. leave a comment
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