Jaffa (2009)

Jaffa, like Broken Wings and many Israeli and Palestinian films, is rife with tragedy and no-win scenarios. First, as seems common for such films, it is a slice-of-life story that shows how family members in a foreign country interact, live, and cope, both at home and in society. Second, it is a tale of minor “first world” problems that would only aggravate an American family, ballooning out of proportion into a tragic turn (or several of them). Third, it is a raw and true depiction of the sorrow and loss felt and expressed by the various members of the two families involved, each in their own way – first, for a loss that was tragically thrust on them, and nine years later, for a loss that is the result of two central members’ choices. The daughter admirably carries this movie, from her secret joy to her public sorrow, and her father is the foundation of his family, as he wisely calms various persons just when they are making things worse. The daughter’s destiny is to navigate certain decisions that amount to rocky shoals – indeed, to points of no return. By the end of the movie, I believe she has made the right choices, despite her earlier vacillations. Her future is a hopeful story that is yet to be written. Enjoy! 4 stars. (3-31-2016)