The Band’s Visit (2007)

Director: Eran Kolirin

Starring: Sasson Gabay, Ronit Elkabetz, Saleh Bakri

A band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, only to find themselves lost in the wrong town.

This delightful comedy put a smile on my face from beginning to end!

The film starts with a Egyptian police band arriving at the airport in Israel. However, on arrival, their transport did not arrive. With the help of one of the band’s members, Haled (Saleh Bakri) they manage to book transport to town. However, instead of going to the town of Petah Tikva, they end up booking a trip to Beit Hatikva.

Once in Beit Hatikva, they realize they are stranded with no transport leaving the town until the next day. Restaurateur Dina (Ronit Elkabetz) offers to help them. What follows, is a series of hilarious events. The performances are excellent – especially Sasson Gabay as the band’s leader, Tawfiq. He is FANTASTIC! His actions and reactions are so funny! I enjoyed the chemistry (if somewhat unlikely) between him and Dina. I really liked Dina. She was the free spirit while the rest of the characters were all bound by some form of restrictions, or discretion. The language barrier also ensured so many funny moments!

The performances felt genuine and realistic. The film was also very well photographed. I loved every minute of this film. ‘The Band’s Visit’ is such a sweet little film. I just loved everything about it!!

‘The Band’s Visit’ received 64 award nominations, winning 47.

In Hewbrew, Arabic and English.

Would I watch it again? Yes, definitely!