Or is probably one of my top tree favourite films ever made. When I first saw it in a theatre in Tel Aviv, I was blown away by its' sheer honesty and humanity. The last scene of Or sitting on the bed, knowing that her life won't ever be the same again, fully aware of her consequences, yet still forcing her self to block a part of her soul for the sake of her mom, stayed in my head for more than a month later after viewing it for the first time.
I think the most appealing thing for me about this film is how personal it is. There's nothing from the outside world that taints its' creativity and its' political, personal, social and artistic intentions. This is art in its purest form, made to touch, change, and to give life to the viewer.
Aside from the engaging, brutally honest and socially important story, the film shines with intelligence. Be it through the perfectly thought- out script, which shows each scene with tenderness, slowly and poetically moving through locations and faces, not over feeding us with information, relying on the viewers emotional intelligence and understanding to have their own interpretation on the characters' arcs, turning point and internal journey.
Be it through the absolutely beautiful cinematography. The shots, colours and angles bring so much more to the story than just visualizing it. The cinematography in Or goes hand in hand with the characters internal journey. The shots are very emotionally expressive and each angle in each scene was planned out carefully to make us feel like we are a part of their world. A lot of the shots were made in one take and seem much documented. We follow our characters in their most vulnerable spots, yet never feel the need to judge them, we are right there with them, compassionately understanding every desperate step they take.
The acting job of the two is highly humane and charismatic, the lead actresses gave one of the most realistic and emotionally involved acting job I've ever seen on screen. The actresses literally give their soul to the part, so much, that in parts we tend to forget this is an actual feature film and not a documentary on prostitution. The actresses' physical and emotional involvement with their characters' story is what gives more spark to the sincerity of the film, we can sense the confidence and trust between everyone who made this, this is what touches me the most.
And finally, through the message. Political and social involvement plays a very big role in the director, Keren Yedaya's life. She is a feminist who fights for human rights and against the Palestinian occupation in Israel. There's nothing pretty or sugar coated about this film, something that is very authentic to the Israeli society. The films' message presented in a very raw and not formatted way, simplicity plays a big role here. Keren's art comes from her political and personal ideals, something that I highly respect in any art form, and we can sense through the film that she had her reasons for making it, she has her reasons for the "ugliness" of it.
For Israel specifically, this film is highly important. For the world in general this film is also very eye opening. Here the story is about something that is important both to Israel and the world, the terrible world of prostitution, a form of slavery that society chooses to suppress.
I hope this film did cause some sort of change in people's minds. It sure shook me for the better and the people around me that have seen it. I think it's a highly inspiring, intelligent, emotionally aware, artistic, honest and non judgmental film that I would suggest anyone that is interested in any form art, politics, culture etc to get a hold of this film. For me, it definitely stands up there with the best creations ever made and I can't wait to watch Keren Yedaya's next film.
Zoey
I think the most appealing thing for me about this film is how personal it is. There's nothing from the outside world that taints its' creativity and its' political, personal, social and artistic intentions. This is art in its purest form, made to touch, change, and to give life to the viewer.
Aside from the engaging, brutally honest and socially important story, the film shines with intelligence. Be it through the perfectly thought- out script, which shows each scene with tenderness, slowly and poetically moving through locations and faces, not over feeding us with information, relying on the viewers emotional intelligence and understanding to have their own interpretation on the characters' arcs, turning point and internal journey.
Be it through the absolutely beautiful cinematography. The shots, colours and angles bring so much more to the story than just visualizing it. The cinematography in Or goes hand in hand with the characters internal journey. The shots are very emotionally expressive and each angle in each scene was planned out carefully to make us feel like we are a part of their world. A lot of the shots were made in one take and seem much documented. We follow our characters in their most vulnerable spots, yet never feel the need to judge them, we are right there with them, compassionately understanding every desperate step they take.
The acting job of the two is highly humane and charismatic, the lead actresses gave one of the most realistic and emotionally involved acting job I've ever seen on screen. The actresses literally give their soul to the part, so much, that in parts we tend to forget this is an actual feature film and not a documentary on prostitution. The actresses' physical and emotional involvement with their characters' story is what gives more spark to the sincerity of the film, we can sense the confidence and trust between everyone who made this, this is what touches me the most.
And finally, through the message. Political and social involvement plays a very big role in the director, Keren Yedaya's life. She is a feminist who fights for human rights and against the Palestinian occupation in Israel. There's nothing pretty or sugar coated about this film, something that is very authentic to the Israeli society. The films' message presented in a very raw and not formatted way, simplicity plays a big role here. Keren's art comes from her political and personal ideals, something that I highly respect in any art form, and we can sense through the film that she had her reasons for making it, she has her reasons for the "ugliness" of it.
For Israel specifically, this film is highly important. For the world in general this film is also very eye opening. Here the story is about something that is important both to Israel and the world, the terrible world of prostitution, a form of slavery that society chooses to suppress.
I hope this film did cause some sort of change in people's minds. It sure shook me for the better and the people around me that have seen it. I think it's a highly inspiring, intelligent, emotionally aware, artistic, honest and non judgmental film that I would suggest anyone that is interested in any form art, politics, culture etc to get a hold of this film. For me, it definitely stands up there with the best creations ever made and I can't wait to watch Keren Yedaya's next film.
Zoey