kolnoaMograbi
Caveat: I love all Israeli films except those directed by Assi Dayán. Ironically, Dayán acts in Comrade, and puts in the strongest performance. As in Clara haKdoshá, the male lead is a young teen from a semi-dysfunctional background in his sexual awakening, thus it was hard for me not to compare them, and although I enjoyed Comrade, Clara haKdoshá wins this cinema battle -- yet not by a lot.Ilan is an appealing and sympathetic character, while Dayán's is volatile, causing us to vacillate between sympathizing with him and fearing him, although we like the bond that forms between he and Ilan.The other bond -- between Ilan and Dalia -- is stronger in its continuance that is hinted at at the close of the film than it is in the actual story. An appealing film showing the grittier side of Israel.
