Zaytoun
The nuanced pace and sparse dialogue of Eran Riklis previous films works well in "Zaytoun".
Set in the Middle East’s politically cramped topography, Zaytoun landscapes the relationship between an Israeli fighter pilot Yoni (Dorff) shot down over Lebanon in 1982, and one of his captors: a young Palestinian camp kid (Al Akal) who mulishly agrees to help Yoni return to Israel if he’ll let him tag along and plant an olive tree in his family’s village of origin. The nuanced pace and sparse dialogue of Lemon Tree/Syrian Bride transitions well to a captivating road movie.
Zaytoun | Directed by Eran Riklis (Israel, UK, France 2012) with Stephen Dorff, Abdallah Al Akal. Starts November 14
Originally published in issue #121, November 2013.
