Based on the novel "Panther in the Basement" by the world-renowned author, Amos Oz, the movie takes place in Palestine in 1947, just a few months before Israel becomes a state. Proffy ... See full summary »
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Based on the novel "Panther in the Basement" by the world-renowned author, Amos Oz, the movie takes place in Palestine in 1947, just a few months before Israel becomes a state. Proffy Liebowitz, a militant yet sensitive eleven year old wants nothing more than for the occupying British to get the hell out of his land. Proffy and his two friends spend most of their time plotting ways to terrorize and/or blow up the British until one evening, while he's out after curfew, Proffy is seized by Sergeant Dunlop, a British officer. Instead of arresting him, he deposits him back home,but what ensues in the weeks to come is a friendship between these two foes. Proffy looks to Dunlop as a father figure as his own father is cold and remote. Dunlop, lonely and poetic, loves the spirited boy and they find lots to talk about in their meetings which Proffy must keep a secret from his friends and family. When Proffy's friends follow him one day and see that he has been visiting the detested enemy, they... Written by
Lynn Roth
Sergeant Dunlop is seen drinking bottled Taybeh Beer a number of times in the film. The Taybeh Brewery was only begun in 1994. A great beer, nevertheless. See more »
This movie is a little gem. Definitely not a historic film, this semi-autobiography of author Amos Oz is an exploration of human interactions during the time of the British occupation in Mandatory Palestine. I would have given the film another star, but was slightly rattled when I missed a musical "fill" when it was necessary, and looked for more "goofs" when what appeared to be a plastic bag drifted across a shot early on in the movie, set in the 1940s. In addition, I awaited (and received) the obligatory Oz political stance on the situation in Israel. That is something I believe the film could have done without, since it is an otherwise charming piece. After the showing, the producer gave a little background into the making of the movie (incredibly small budget, all-Israeli crew, Molina phoning and asking for a role in the film). That was an extra treat. I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out, and will recommend it to my kids. It's a story of emotions overcoming the clash of stereotypical enemies.
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This movie is a little gem. Definitely not a historic film, this semi-autobiography of author Amos Oz is an exploration of human interactions during the time of the British occupation in Mandatory Palestine. I would have given the film another star, but was slightly rattled when I missed a musical "fill" when it was necessary, and looked for more "goofs" when what appeared to be a plastic bag drifted across a shot early on in the movie, set in the 1940s. In addition, I awaited (and received) the obligatory Oz political stance on the situation in Israel. That is something I believe the film could have done without, since it is an otherwise charming piece. After the showing, the producer gave a little background into the making of the movie (incredibly small budget, all-Israeli crew, Molina phoning and asking for a role in the film). That was an extra treat. I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out, and will recommend it to my kids. It's a story of emotions overcoming the clash of stereotypical enemies.