Lemon Tree

Released Apr 17, 2009

1h 46m

Drama

List

91%

Tomatometer

68 Reviews

83%

Audience Score

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.

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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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Hank Sartin

Time Out

Rated: 4/5

Nov 18, 2011

Full Review

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

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

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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

Audience Member

Exceptionally beautiful and haunting. Quiet, yet dramatic. Should not be missed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

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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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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