The Bubble

The Israeli movie "The Bubble", a creation of director Eytan Fuchs/Fox and his screenplay-writer husband of 18 years, is a MUST SEE. I've had the DVD since August 2007, because I ordered the Region 2 (PAL) edition directly from Israel. I like it even more every time I watch it. In the film festival circuit, it has been getting standing ovations, and for good reason.

The film works well on a number of levels: It's a very touching gay love story, told without coyness or artifice. It's a very revealing glimpse into both sides of a conflict most of us only hear about on the news. It's a love letter to the modern, hedonistic city that is Tel Aviv. It's a portrait of a group of charming young friends who care deeply for each other, and who I found I really cared about too.

It's also a beautiful plea for peace. At times funny, sad, touching, and always thought-provoking, it's a movie that stays in your thoughts long after it's over.

I have to say I like it even more than "Brokeback Mountain" -- which had a number of aspects I did not like. Back in the days when I thought the Academy Awards actually meant anything, I might have hoped "The Bubble" would win Best Foreign Film. But now that it's clear that an Oscar has no real meaning as an award for true quality, I hope the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs will step in and fill the gap. But you must see this movie!

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict persists and while the world may be aware of the violence surrounding the division of the two countries, few have a clue to the other aspect of the division - the group of people who want peace and work toward eradicating the separation. Eytan Fox, in THE BUBBLE ('Ha-Buah'), has created a much needed alternative viewpoint of the schism, electing to tell a story that contains some fine humor, a lot of love, and a taste of brutal reality. It is a window into a situation that begs for understanding.

In Tel Aviv three close friends are roommates: Lulu (Daniela Virtzer), a beautiful young woman with strong opinions; Yali (Alon Friedman), a very 'out' gay young man who works in a popular café; and Noam (Ohad Knoller), a handsome, somewhat shy fellow who, in addition to his day job in a music shop, is a member of the National Guard and therefore spends his free time serving as a guard at the city's checkpoints. It is during one of these guard duty weekends that he meets a young Palestinian named Ashraf (Yousef 'Joe' Sweid), and a mutual attraction occurs. The three friends decide to 'stowaway' the illegally present Ashraf (whom they nickname with an Israeli name) and while Ashraf and Noam settle into a love relationship, Yali hires Ashraf at his café, and Yali and Lulu both proceed to find love interests, too. All goes well until Ashraf must return home for his sister's wedding. Though in Tel Aviv Ashraf has been able to be openly gay with Noam, life is far different in Jerusalem: Ashraf is told he must marry his sister's groom-to-be sister. In an attempt to rescue Ashraf from his fate, Noam and Lulu disguise themselves as French reporters to gain access to Ashraf. In a moment of supposed seclusion, Noam and Ashraf are discovered kissing by the groom-to-be, and this act gives cause for blackmail in order for Ashraf to remain 'in the closet'.

While the young people in Tel Aviv are dancing at an event to raise attention for peaceful coexistence, an attack occurs in Jerusalem - one that has grave consequences not only immediately, but also in the revenge mission Ashraf must now assume. The ending is tragic on many levels and it underlines just how serious the problem between these two countries is.

The acting is so very natural that from both the comedic and the tragic aspects the audience completely believes in these beautiful young people. The story finds the right balance between the serious and the lighthearted and it is this balance than makes Eytan Fox such a fine writer/director. More people should watch this important and very fine film. In Hebrew, Arabic, and English with subtitles. Grady Harp, February 08

I borrowed this from the local library without knowing anything more than provided by the description on the back of the box. I thought it would be some light, fluffy, Will-and-Grace type comedy, and was pleased to find instead a contemporary tale of star-cross'd lovers.

In a scene that echoes the opening street brawl between the House of Montague and the House of Capulet in Romeo & Juliet, The Bubble begins during an altercation at an Israeli checkpoint. The Palestinian travelers are squabbling with the gruff Israeli soldiers over their treatment, when a woman goes into labor. A young soldier, Noam (Ohad Knoller), tries to deliver the baby, while Ashraf (Yousef 'Joe' Sweid) translates for him and comforts the woman. They notice each other in the moment, but part ways immediately when the baby is born dead.

A disillusioned Noam returns to civilian life, and is enjoying his time with his flat mates when Ashraf appears and returns the Israeli's lost passport. The two go up to the roof of the building, and their relationship takes off from there - in explicit visuals I might add. For those who are wondering about love scenes, gay or otherwise, this movie has both. If male or female nudity, or male-male love scenes truly bother you, you'll probably want to steer clear of The Bubble, though in doing so you will miss a good movie.

The performance of Yousef 'Joe' Sweid is heartbreakingly wonderful and can't help but draw the viewer in. He portrays an endearing innocence in a world hostile to everything Ashraf is, without the character feeling forced or contrived. Such a character not carefully handled can easily appear quaint, and even idiotic to an audience, but here you come to care for a man who seemingly has obstacles at every point on the compass.

It's acting well done, and Sweid is not alone. Daniella Wircer (also sometimes credited as Daniela Virtzer) imbues the token girl friend/flame dame role with a great deal of zest and the two other male leads give good turns in their roles. You start to think of them as family - the way the characters view themselves. They are young, and almost ridiculously idealistic, but they instill hope in the viewer, even when we know how star-crossed love stories play out.

If you've an open mind, it's two hours well spent.

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