Movie review: Bethlehem

After lots of mental struggles and hesitations and cons, many cons, I finally watched 'Behlehem' today. And although I think that it was my right to refuse to watch it, despite the fact that I did not read any reviews or interviews and listen to opinions of friends, I think it was worth doing it.

Let's finish first with the superficial bad impression. I was afraid, but so afraid, that it is just another pathetic movie when we need to cry on the poor Palestinian's shoulders and introduce 2-3 angry leftist activists longing for peace. 

But movies, like people, should not be judged before getting to know them. 

Bethlehem explores the complicated relationship between Razi, an Israeli secret agent, and one of his Palestinian informant, Sanfur. One is looking for information that may prevent to save the life of innocent people, the other is interested in money and probably a little bit of adolescent adventures. Sanfur was recruited when he was 15, as a guarantee for his father's freedom. The conversation switches from Arabic - when it is about creating a special communication - to Hebrew, for the important, professional communication. 

But despite the working relationship, Razi is taking care of the boy, finding him a treatment place after he was shot in a bullet proof jacket part of a children's game. But blood connections are stronger and the talented Israeli operative miss an important detail about his protege: that he is bringing Hamas' money to his brother who planned an murderous attack in Jerusalem. And when he finds it out, Razi sends him to Hebron instead of using him to catch the brother.What, the Israeli secret agents do have a heart? He is even more than that, losing his life by the hands of Sanfur whom he is meeting alone, after weeks of silence following the death of his brother and his contacts with various groups, all equally dangerous and toxic. 

The documentary part of the movie, showing the dissent between various Palestinian groups is accurate and reflects a state of mind in Bethlehem and other places of people using the conflict as a way of getting rich, and avoiding to take adult's responsibilities. Confused children are driven into the example of lazy warriors cleaning their guns and playing cards before the next suicide attack. 

A strong movie for perverse times.