The topic concerning the relationships between Arab people and people from the Israel has been gained momentum in the modern times. It should be stated that this difficult issue has been reflected in numerous books, and film production is not the exception.
One of the most successful movies that show the controversial relationships between the nations is considered to be Lemon Tree, directed by Eran Riklis. The main concern of the film is to show the significance of the human nature, proving that all the stereotypes and political conflicts should never become a reason for the hate.
The movie is centered on the dilemmas and real life of people who belong to different religious groups. It is significant to point out that both worlds are similar in their political attitude and its relevance for the citizens; career and social status play an important role, and women are searching for the peace and happiness.
However, it should be stressed that these two worlds cannot exist together; the wall stands between them and symbolizes the misunderstanding. Israel stands for the strong country, the invader with an army, whereas the Arabic world reflected as helpless.
The major intention of the government is to protect the borders and citizens from the external influence or aggression; however, sometimes this goal is accomplished by the infringement of rights and freedom of ordinary people. It should be stressed that the amount of sorrow made for the common good, sometimes can be not understood or estimated.
Salma Zidane, the Palestinian women in her fortieth, is the main character in the movie. Being a widow and having a son in the United States, Salma tries to make money from her lemon copse that is situated on a territory of Israel and West Bank.
The owners of the grove were the ancestors of Salma. However, the life of the widow changes when the minister moves to the new house close to the lemon copse. The watchtower is built, and the soldiers watch the territory for the protection of the minister.
Salma receives the letter, according to the letter, the trees are the best place for the terrorists to hide, and that is, they should be cut. However, according to the legislation, they cannot force Salma to uproot the trees, that is, the minister aims to compensate the damage.
The Palestinian woman wants to defend her territory and tries to win a case in a military tribunal but fails; the next destination is the Supreme Court in Israel. Risking her life she continues to take care of the grove, despite the fact that it is circled with the fence and is strictly watched by the soldiers.
Although, the Palestinian woman does her best to save the trees, some of them are in a bad condition. The case attracts the media, as Navon, the minister, is involved in it (Etz Limon). The actions of the prime minister symbolize the aggression of the Israel concerning the Palestinian people.
The more career benefits Navon gets, the worse relationship he has with the wife, Mira. The minister’s wife can be compared to the prisoner; she feels that her husband changed. It should be pointed out that Mira likes Salma and admires the way she defends her lemon copse. Navon cannot understand this sympathy and gets furious with his wife’s words to the media that Mira is on Salma’s side (Etz Limon).
Navon tries to influence Mira to take the words back. This scene shows that there is a possibility for the conflict between countries to stop, however as long as the governments will continue the war it is hopeless to achieve. Mira and Salma have never met, despite the several failed attempts. This failed communication represents the main dilemma in the relationship between Israel and Palestine.
Ziad Daud, the lawyer, helps Salma to stand for her rights. However, all the neighbors discuss their relationships as Salma is a widow and should not forget about her husband. The movie reveals the attitude towards women in Arabian and Israel world. The Palestinian women failed to defend her lemon trees, and it highlights that the conflict can never be stopped as long as people are not able to understand each other despite all the differences.
The film can be considered as a significant work that shows the importance of the problem solution. Although, the movie does not reveal all the peculiarities of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, it assumes that the main key point is hidden not in the differences in culture and religion but in the war itself.
The movie aims to concentrate rather on human feelings than political situation. Moreover, it shows the deadlock of the court system. It should be stated that the actors were impressive and succeeded in reflecting the real nature of the conflict.
In conclusion, it should be pointed out that there is no bigger value than a human life, and political or religious issues should never become the reason for the bad attitude towards a person who does not share one’s beliefs. The movie contributes to the deeper understanding of the ongoing conflict between Arabian and Israel world. It should be stated that Salma and the minister face the problem of misunderstanding; however, the key point is somewhere higher than religion and culture.
Work Cited
Etz Limon. Ex. Prod. Eran Riklis. New York: IFC Films. 2008. DVD.