Coffee with Lemon
(CAFFE IM LEMON) ((ISRAELI))
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Jana ... Tatiana Vasilyeva
Michal ... Bruria Albec
The tragic and all-too-common dilemma of a new immigrant to Israel -- in this case, a famous Russian actor -- who can't find work because he can't speak Hebrew is explored in "Coffee With Lemon." Like his hero, director Leonid Gorovets ("The Ladies' Tailor") immigrated only three years ago, and this crossover film, lensed partly in Moscow, has an authentic ring. Some offshore possibilities are indicated.
Russian thesp Alexander Abdulov is a natural as the famed, self-centered thespian Valery Ostrovsky, who has just won the best actor award at the Berlin Film Festival. Story catches his last appearance onstage in Moscow, before he, wife Jana (Tatiana Vasilyeva) and their son leave their luxurious apartment and set off for Israel. Contrary to expectations, the land of milk and honey translates into a major setback in the family's quality of life. Their first home, a ratty pre-fab trailer in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by equally maladjusted neighbors, is a shock.
Even worse is Valery's belated discovery that he can't survive as a Russian-language actor. His halfhearted attempts to learn Hebrew throw him into the arms of his son's beautiful teacher, Michal (Bruria Albec), who has also made herself indispensable to his lonely wife. The reason for Michal's disruptive involvement with the Ostrovsky family is never explained, however. Abdulov's posturing bravura rescues the plot from many dangerous twists, as with his near-involvement in the lucrative business his old buddy Alex develops as a stage hypnotist and crank. Pic ends disappointingly with an abrupt fatality, while Moscow explodes in its brief civil war. At its best, film offers real insight into the life of the new Israelis from Russia. Cast is a plus, pacing is good and lensing pro.
Camera (color), Valentin Belonogov; editor, Alan Yakobovich; music, Haim Frank Elfman; art direction, Sasha Ganelin. Reviewed at Jerusalem Film Festival, July 1, 1994. Running time: 94 MIN.
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