Cinema Society

JAFFA

Average
Rating

3.0

Tuesday, October 26, 2010, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26

5:00PM or 7:30pm (You Choose!)

JAFFA, Auditorium 4 Only!

Discussion will follow screening

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

JAFFA

JAFFA

In the heart of the Israeli city of Jaffa, Reuven's garage is a family-run business. The garage workers consist of Reuven's beautiful daughter Mali, his aggressive and distant son Meir, as well as the young Palestinian man, Toufik. No one suspects that Mali and Toufik have been in love for years, and that Mali is pregnant with Toufik's child. As the two lovers secretly make their wedding arrangements, tension steadily builds between Toufik and Meir, who openly voices his disdain and prejudices about Arabs. As these relationships continue to intensify, emotions begin to boil, resulting in an astonishing conclusion.

PLEASE NOTE: JAFFA is in Hebrew with English Subtitles.

Not Rated

Running Time: 106 Minutes

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31-Oct-10: Sheri Harris - Rating: 5

The 5 rating is for Entebbe--graphic novel style pared with animation and a superb recounting of the raid.

31-Oct-10: ANON - Rating: 1

How can someone walk out after 20 minutes and rate a movie? This defies logic an disqualifies ant participation in the process. Shame on you. It's like someone dropping out of school and showing up for graduation.

30-Oct-10: JHPL - Rating: 3

I hesitate to rate the film because I actually walked out after about 20-25 minutes. First time ever at the Cinema Society. I probably should have stuck it out ... it was just that agro son, his aggression and about-to-blow violence. It was too much for me and made me uncomfortable enough to leave. A surprising reaction if I do say so myself. But the short, WOW! I've been telling everyone I know about it. So sorry I missed that discussion. Thank you Andy for bringing us that short.

29-Oct-10: Sandy - Rating: 4

I thought the slow timing and persistent struggles of Mali reflected not only the family dynamics but political reality as well. While there are things to criticize about this film (unresolved conflict, too much left unsaid, length,etc), I thought these aspects needed to be present to make the personal, societal and political points. I really appreciated the film but left quite saddened by the combination of this and the short film.

enjoyed the film maker.

29-Oct-10: pb - Rating: 4

It was like watching a real family, not a film. Excellent acting. A little too slow but still worthwhile.

The short was a 5. Having the film maker talk about the people involved and the aftermath was terrific.

Good choices, Andy.

28-Oct-10: P Clark - Rating: 2

I was "in pain" the last third of the movie, just waiting for this slooooow film to be over. The lack of emotions and engaging was downright not real. After the death of their son/brother....what? No grieving? I felt like shouting out "Get some feelings and emotion please!!". I still appreciate all the films. No one said they all have to be a favorite. Thank you.

27-Oct-10: Wendy Parker - Rating: 2

This could have been a really terrific story, but felt it dragged on a bit too long and the acting was not (to me) first rate.

27-Oct-10: me - Rating: 2

I wanted to *feel* the message in this movie, but couldn't. The passion that I had hoped to sense just wasn't there. Was it weak acting or a weak story?

Having said that, I am glad for the opportunity to see this movie, for the chance to learn about issues in other parts of the world. I appreciate the cinematography -- I got a good feel for the town, the garage, the home.

27-Oct-10: Georgi - Rating: 4

The dilemmas Mali faces are a mirror of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. Take a stand, make changes, keep the peace, hide it in a corner or face reality? All these are social issues wrapped up in the microcosm of a family conflict. The slaying of Meir further emphasizes that some people get what they deserve; the conviction of the Arab boy shows that justice is not always served. In the end, both families were deprived of their children. It is left to the new generation to start to make the peace, emphasized by the woeful, curious and wistful look the young daughter gives both of her parents; they are still separated, but perhaps will one day be unified in peace. I --contrary to many-- found this a powerful emotional work, as well as a political statement.

27-Oct-10: RichG - Rating: 3

Left the theater with some unresolved feelings. Part of me truly appreciated the dilemma Mali found herself in. She kept her resolve throughout. The childhood love she felt kept her going throughout the movie. However, the lack of external emotion was frustrating. The "stiff upper lip" behavior was unbelievable. She had no outlet other than eating with her dysfunctional family. (and, boy, could her mother eat). These people were "stuck" and did not have the tools to get out of their self-imposed mud. The end provided some hope that her life would get better. I, for one, hope it does.

26-Oct-10: Mickey and Jack Kopol - Rating: 2

Wow! The Cinema Society's first 3D film:

Dark-Dreary-Depressing.

26-Oct-10: Betty Rose - Rating: 5

Excellent acting with subtle facial expressions showing the actors' inner emotions.