A Crushing Weight With No Right Answer

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MOVIE REVIEW
Ahed’s Knee (Ha'berech)

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2021
Runtime: 1h 49m
Director: Nadav Lapid
Writer(s): Nadav Lapid, Haim Lapid
Cast: Avshalom Pollak, Nur Fibak, Oded Azulay
Where To Watch: It opens on Friday, April 1, in Chicago at the Gene Siskel Film Center. (as well as other locations)

I don’t question why this won the 2021 Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize. I usually wait for a little to give away my final impression, but I can’t in this case. This film was terrific; it was personal, yet at the same time told such a broad story. If I were to pick one word to describe the movie, it would be passion. A film of desire, passion, anger, sadness, victory, and happiness; somehow, the two leads can lead this film that is truly a rollercoaster of emotions.

The film mixes a feel of a modern war film with moments that will take you into an almost dream-like state. Sound is essential throughout the movie, from dialogue-filled scenes with no sound to moments of troops' footsteps. The film has an incredible soundtrack that places songs you’d never expect at the right moments to give the most intense impact.

Avshalom Pollak (Y) and Nur Fibak (Yahalom david) are the main stars, and they steal every scene they’re in the chemistry; they are often so true to their character that you forget they’re acting. An awkward moment between the two to then be overshadowed by a moment of intensity that I have a hard time comparing to anything I’ve seen before. Fibak is the real star here, though, this is her only acting credit, but I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so captivated by the functional performance. She can somehow express emotion with just a look that could almost allow the dialogue to be on mute, and you would still understand exactly what she’s feeling.

I’ve seen a lot of comments about the camera work in the film; I don’t understand the complaints. There are segments where the camera is intentionally shaky or moving sporadically, but they’re not as consistent throughout the film as some mention. It adds to the film's reality, a feeling of being there for these moments that you are so engrossed in.

The film's story is intoxicating; you’re waiting patiently for each new piece of the story to drop into place. The runtime of just under two hours flies by as you become part of the film. Becoming invested in Pollak’s story and the battles he faces, you learn that one feeds off the other.

A big shout out to Kino Lorber for allowing me to screen such an incredible film!

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