Va, vis, et deviens

I still remember the arrival of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, and it must be said that it is material that is incredibly attractive for a film. Films with a message have it easier after all because a star is added to the topic. The issues of uprootedness, cultural and religious identity, and racial prejudice all have dramatic potential and when it comes to a story based on a real event, it counts double. How can a nine-year-old Christian boy answer the rabbi's question about who brought the Jews their faith? Unfortunately, Radu Mihăileanu's film does not take advantage of all these possibilities. The script is only average and predictable most of the time, including the final scene of the reunion after years. In many cases, it transparently counts on human emotions. It's not a bad movie, it just could have been even better. Besides the script, I also disliked the melodramatic music. On the other hand, the direction, camera work, and performances are the strong aspects of the film. Overall impression 75%. (10/08/2008)