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Lemon Tree

Play trailer Poster for Lemon Tree Released Apr 17, 2009 1h 46m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
91% Tomatometer 68 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Set in the West Bank, where Palestinian widow Salma Zidane tends her lemon grove. However, when Israeli Defense Minister Navon moves in across the way, his security guards demand she removes the trees, which could shelter terrorists. Refusing to bow down, she engages lawyer Ziad Daud to take her case to the Supreme Court, which brings international attention.
Lemon Tree

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A positive and personal Israeli film that offers an understated and thought-provoking vision of the West Bank troubles.

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Critics Reviews

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Jonathan F. Richards Film.com Eran Riklis, who directed and co-wrote with Suha Arraf (they also collaborated on The Syrian Bride), has made a compelling movie that takes its strength from the ground-level picture it gives of the human aspect of the problems in that part of the world. Aug 23, 2009 Full Review Andrea Gronvall Chicago Reader The two Israelis who take her side are female, which underscores the film's message: a little less machismo might save a lot more than trees. Jun 12, 2009 Full Review Joe Williams St. Louis Post-Dispatch The pungence of Lemon Tree is in the surreal moments that capture the pervasive unease in Gaza, and in the quiet strength of Abbass' performance. Rated: 3/4 Jun 4, 2009 Full Review Laura Hiros Rincón de cine ... the result is predictable, the movie is memorable. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 2/5 Mar 21, 2018 Full Review Hannah Brown Jerusalem Post We're told what to think and whom to like in a way that short-circuits the chance for real drama. Mar 21, 2016 Full Review Don Groves sbs.com.au A touching tale of forbidden fruit in the Middle East. Rated: 4/5 Jan 3, 2011 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Georgan G Would have rather seen a film about the actual situation. Real life is very hard on such people. Yet this plot is so contrived that I had difficulty watching it. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 12/30/24 Full Review Audience Member A poetic stroke to your senses. So sad and painful yet so beautiful and delightful. The actors, the argument, the music, the locations, camera and art scenes are the best of it. A must watch Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member An amazing movie that represents the struggles of both sides in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in regards to the settlements Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a poignant and heartfelt story that is one personal story that opens up so many issues, political and social. Good performances although it is a bit slow. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/21/23 Full Review Audience Member It's not only a lemon tree garden, it's a symbol of a pruned and not eradicated nation. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Very good film about an Palestinian widow who tends to her lemon trees only for new neighbours to move in and what them removed. The Israeli defence minister no less. Strong message perfectly carried out Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Lemon Tree

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Cast & Crew

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Eran Riklis

Director

Hiam Abbass

Salma Zidane

Doron Tavory

Defense Minister Israel Navon

Ali Suliman

Ziad Daud

Rona Lipaz-Michael

Mira Navon

Tarik Kopty

Abu Hassam

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Lemon Tree

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Movie Info

Synopsis Set in the West Bank, where Palestinian widow Salma Zidane tends her lemon grove. However, when Israeli Defense Minister Navon moves in across the way, his security guards demand she removes the trees, which could shelter terrorists. Refusing to bow down, she engages lawyer Ziad Daud to take her case to the Supreme Court, which brings international attention.
Director
Eran Riklis
Producer
Eran Riklis
Screenwriter
Suha Arraf, Eran Riklis
Distributor
IFC Films
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Arabic
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 17, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$566.1K
Runtime
1h 46m