The Attack

“The Attack” is the story of a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv that impacts on the life of the Palestinian-born but totally assimilated Israeli educated and trained surgeon when he learns that a person extremely close to him is the perpetrator of the terrorist act. This film,  partly in Arabic and partly in Hebrew (with subtitles) captures the emotions of both Arabs and Jews regarding such acts and each of their perspectives as to the horror and, in a warped way, their justification of them. Palestinian actor Ali Suliman plays the doctor and Israeli actress Reymond Amsalem  his wife in this sometimes slow but nevertheless steady and interesting drama as our lead character seeks to find out why and how this crime was planned and performed. Directed by Ziad Doueiri who co-wrote the screenplay with Jollie Touma and Yasmina Khadia, these Arab creators attempt to examine and explain both sides of  those engaged in this almost never ending conflict. Their efforts are indeed frustrated since the Arab reaction to the film is that it is not harsh enough towards the Israelis and the Israeli response is that it goes too far in seeing to humanize the plight of the Palestinians. Indeed, the Arab backers of the film withdrew their names in protest and regretted their not having read the script first. As a result the film has been boycotted by most Arab nations and criticized by many Israelis. They say a fair settlement of a dispute is when each side leaves the table unhappy. Here, too, the problems facing the respective factions are complex and so, with no easy way to paint an objective picture of the participants and their respective causes, neither one is satisfied at the result. This film educates and helps us, in some small way, to understand the complexities of the issues and their moral and ethical aspects. I give the film 3 stars and recommend that, for its insight alone (in addition to fine performances) the film is definitely a must see.