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      West Bank Story

      2005 21 min. Comedy Musical Romance List
      Reviews 89% 500+ Ratings Audience Score A man and a woman fall in love despite the animosity between their families over their competing falafel stands. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

      View All (82) audience reviews
      Audience Member Saw this today. It won the 2006 Oscar for Best Live Short. Funny! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member This won the 2006 Oscar for Best Live Action Short and was created by a USC film student; really amazing and entertaining! It is available on "A Collection of 2006 Academy Award Nominated Short Films." Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Smart, well paced comedic short that parodies West Side Story to address the Muslim-Jewish conflict in West Bank of Palestine via two competing restaurants, "The Hummus Hut" and "Kosher King". A satirical take on a difficult subject, this Oscar winner is well worth a watch, and can be found on iTunes now http://itunes.apple.com/ca/movie/west-bank-story/id503678649 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member West Bank Story is a short film directed by Ari Sandel. The objective of the film West Bank Story is to satirize the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. The objective of the film is achieved insomuch as it was capable of creating a comedic response within me and the rest of the class. I enjoyed the individual performances of the cast, especially the singing and dancing. However, it failed to bring to light any previously unknown revelations about the conflict or even make a coherent point. Also, it disregards the seriousness of the issue and the number of human lives which have been lost in the violence. Capitalizing on stereotypes, particularly uniformed American stereotypes, is irresponsible and a low form of humor. Though Sandel is by no means the first person to ever satirize a significant tragedy, it is still disconcerting. He sets up what he regards as an egalitarian series of jabs and quips at the expense of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. Modeling it after the popular Broadway show West Side Story is intended to be an exhibition of cleverness and comedy. Instead, it serves to oversimplify a problem which has a vast number of complex facets. This would not be as much of a negative if it were not for the vast amount of tragedy which has arisen from the Israel-Palestinian conflict. To trivialize death and destruction in an irreverent way is considered humorous by many, but it shouldnâ(TM)t be. I do not think that it was a contentious decision on the part of Sandel to appear insensitive. He cannot be faulted for following a very well established pattern in the business of comedic entertainment. The fact still remains that any goal that this movie was created to achieve, besides providing a cheap laugh, is not accomplished. No deeper analysis or higher thought is encouraged and it threatens to lull the viewer into comfortable and familiar, if not completely accurate, ideologies. Of course it is self-deprecating and through its satire presents the âharmless❠front of being well aware that the views presented are stereotypes and ânot intended to be a factual statement.❠However it is still frustrating to witness the typical short-sightedness and ignorance that much of typical American comedy speaks to, particularly in regards to racial and ethnic issues. It tells us that Americans are ignorant. Utilizing primarily American conceptions about the conflict it fails to realize any truths about reality for the people who must endure it every day. Thus, proving that Americans do not really understand what is going on because they are so far removed from the situation, for a variety of reasons. Itâ(TM)s interesting that my emotional response during and immediately following was favorable. I thought it was hilarious. Now, upon further reflection, it is kind of a disgusting film to me. Other peopleâ(TM)s pain and suffering is too often a source of amusement for Americans. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Oscar winner in 2007 for Best Short Film! Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member This is how I fell in love with Noureen Dewulf Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis A man and a woman fall in love despite the animosity between their families over their competing falafel stands.
      Director
      Ari Sandel
      Screenwriter
      Ari Sandel, Kim Ray
      Genre
      Comedy, Musical, Romance
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (DVD)
      Jan 29, 2013
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)