The Band's Visit

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 we watched The Band's Visit (2007) and we made Egyptian Red Lentil Soup with Garam Masala meets Israeli Couscous salad.

The Band's Visit is a subtle, heartfelt, and humane work that goes a long way toward dissolving the incredibly complex cultural divide that continues to plague the Middle East. When the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra flies from Egypt to Israel to perform at the opening of an Arab culture center, they are left stranded at the airport. Their leader, Tewfiq (aka TOOTHPICK), and all eight members are left standing alone in a quiet desert town far from their intended destination with no way to get where they need to go. Tired, hungry, and confused, they find shelter at a restaurant run by the pretty but brash Dina. Over the course of the night, Tewfiq and Dina bond, Khaled helps a hapless local discover his inner Romeo, and the other band members find themselves caught up in a domestic situation that is less than perfect. Kolirin perfectly navigates his film's slice-of-life tone, blending comedy and drama and poignancy without ever succumbing to one completely. The Band's Visit is funny, lonely, inspiring, sad, and beautiful all at once.

The dinner, while wonderfully odorous, had that nasty blended lentil consistency that isn't very palatable. The Isreali couscous with shallots and parsley was definitely the hit of the night along with the scrumptous pita bread from Whole Foods.

All in all, it was a mediocre night. The movie was interesting and unique, but not a favorite. The same could be said of the dinner. You can't win 'em all!

In attendance: Barb and Lindsey

Ratings: Movie = 1.5, Dinner = 2