The Syrian Bride

A tragicomedy about life in a country divided by a war line where, although there has not been shooting, at least not in the typical way, for several decades, life is still desperately far from normal due to occupation and political conditions. The line divides not only military units but also members of local families who have to shout at each other through megaphones to be able to see each other from a distance in exceptional circumstances. Widespread military patrols, combat equipment, and police, but also uncompromising surveillance by local elders who try to adhere to traditions and religious and national rituals. It reminds me a bit of the conflict in Northern Ireland, but the reality of the Golan Heights is even more complex, with more parties, religious denominations, and more interests of neighboring countries. Amid this cauldron of conflicts, a Druze family wedding is supposed to take place when the bride, understandably, has to cross the ceasefire line herself after undergoing a 5-month ordeal to obtain the necessary permits. However, she, of course, has to encounter official red tape and hostility between Israeli and Syrian authorities along the way. In addition to all this, the screenwriter has involved a lot of motifs regarding women's emancipation, a patriarchal system in which the head of the family not only manages, but also controls the family, the Arab attitude toward immigrants, and Arab men toward European women, who evidently do not understand the local value hierarchy, and so on. The unknown actors are excellent, and the film features an absurd atmosphere full of tension and has a decent runtime. Of course, the Israeli creators did not go after their side, so the Israeli soldiers show understanding, and officials are eventually accommodating despite all the bureaucratic obstacles, while the Syrian side is made to look like a group of clowns. The occupation could have been depicted with darker colors, but it is, nevertheless, a bold undertaking and a powerful emotional film that will be enjoyed more by those who are at least roughly familiar with the local reality. Those who know the local conditions in more detail may notice several interesting moments and details, making the film even more interesting for them. Overall impression: 95%. (21.06.2011)