Rak Klavim Ratzim Hofshi (2007) Reviews

• You don't judge madness!

  lastliberal2010-06-30

  It's Déjà vu all over again. I watched Casualties of War last night, and tonight I am watching the Israeli version. Uri (Lior Ashkenazi) saw Nadav, his commander, shoot two men with their hands raised, and a little boy. He was childhood friends with Nadav, and, despite threats from Nadav's father, he will not lie. Even his boss threatens him. Meanwhile his wife Telma (Ayelet Zurer- Vantage Point, Angels & Demons) is a social worker helping a family whose daughter gets involved with a bad crowd led by Haim Neuman. She goes to them in hopes of helping out a girl left behind, who is being drugged and sexually abused. Alon Aboutboul (Body of Lies) plays the evil Haim, who proceeds to lead a violent beating and gang rape of Telma, who commits suicide afterwards. Of course, the law can't help as no one would testify against Haim, so we move to the typical revenge flick ala Death Wish. The Israeli Film Academy nominated Aboutboul and Zurer for their performances, and the nominations were well deserved. Unlike Casualties of War, this film did not have a satisfying ending. Uri ends up in a mental hospital. Ashkenazi played his part well, and was at least deserving of a nomination.