A Palestinian widow tends the lemon grove left by her father in the geo-political drama Lemon Tree. When the Israeli Defense Minister moves in next door, Salma (Hiam Abbass) must defend the trees she loves so dearly. The heartbreaking film is based on a true story.
The lemon trees are a bittersweet metaphor for generations of struggle over security and ownership. Director Eran Riklis (The Human Resources Manager; The Syrian Bride) crafts a very human look at the Israeli-Palestinian standoff.
Abbass (The Syrian Bride; Satin Rouge) is mesmerizing as the widow who embodies dignity, loneliness and eroticism. Her daughter is married and her son works as a dishwasher in America. Salma lives simply, caring for the trees, harvesting their fruit, and serving lemonade that thrills her occasional guests. Hers is a bountiful solitude in rhythm with nature.
When defense minister Israel Navon (Doron Tavory) moves into a mansion bordering Salma’s land with his wife Mira (Rona Lipaz-Michael), a watchtower is built and soldiers patrol the area. Salma receives a letter. The Secret Service orders that her trees be cut down for security.
Failing to get any assistance from the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli army, Salma meets with a young attorney Ziad Daud (Ali Suliman). Ziad is drawn to beautiful, stoic Salma. While the courts deliberate, the Israelis fence off the lemon grove, preventing Salma from entering. The trees begin to wither. Lemons cover the ground.
Lipaz-Michael is excellent as the minister’s cultured, lonely wife. Mira wrestles with contradictions. While she enjoys privilege, she becomes increasingly upset with the treatment of her neighbor Salma. Her struggle is heightened when she suspects her husband is having an affair.
Mira and Salma never really meet, except for a tense encounter across the fence. Salma’s anger and Mira’s empathy are evident. Fear transforms into uneasy acceptance and respect. This invisible bond grows as Salma pursues her case all the way to Israel’s Supreme Court. An Israeli journalist also sympathizes with Salma.
Lemon Tree imparts wonderful surprises and humor. Tenderness grows between Ziad and Salma. Salma's elderly Arab gardener Hussam declares that trees have souls. Salma endures a neighbor who admonishes her for disrespecting her husband's memory by seeing Ziad. There are humorous moments surrounding her husband's photograph.
Rainer Klausmann achieves plain but vivid cinematography, from Salma’s bold climb over the fence, to the stark wall between Israel and Palestine.
If you like Lemon Tree, you might enjoy: Miral; Ajami; Welcome.
Subscribe to Secret Agent Gal Reviews.
Lemon Tree 2008 / NR / 1 hr, 46 min
Cast Overview: Hiam Abbass, Ali Suliman, Rona Lipaz-Michael, Doron Tavory, Tarik Copti, Makram J. Khoury, Amos Lavi, Amnon Wolf, Smadar Jaaron
Director: Eran Riklis
Genres: Drama, Foreign, True Story
Language: Israeli and Palestinian with English subtitles
Recent Comments