Filmmaker Elia Suleiman travels to different cities and finds unexpected parallels to his homeland of Palestine.
Opening scene aside, the movie has a slow start. I found the Israel part the least interesting. But once Elia travels to Paris and New York it's consistently amusing and droll. Even though I'm not always sure what Suleiman wants to tell the viewer with those scenes.
The scenes are a lot less static, and the overall mood is much lighter, but the movie reminded me a bit of the movies of Swede Roy Andersson.
Movie #1,105 • Part of My CLAIRE DENIS Director Focus
Haha just a little joke...
First off, I just want to comment on titles and translating titles. I usually go with whatever the English is, but there are notable instances (with European entries) where the original language is definitely the most widely used/known. Like nobody fucking calls this movie "Good Work." OK, moving on...
I struggled with this one somewhat. It's lyrical and lovely, but I didn't connect it with it as much as Nénette and Boni or even US Go Home. I realize it's a top 10 Sight and Sound best film of all-time but I'm. Just being... honest.
This is neither here nor there but perhaps partly indicative of why I personally had some issues...
At the point in the above red asterisk in the wiki plot description there's about nine minutes left in the movie!
Again, probably a feature not a bug and I'm wholly ready to admit that my lack of connection is due to not being in the right headspace at the time for this (and not just the over lack of Vincent Gallo jk). It's bigger themes and connections to Melville (however loose they may be) were lost on my weary mind.
I want/need to rewatch at some point. But the final dance solo sequence is worth at least a 7/10.