[THE OTHER SON
opens in Cleveland on Friday November 2nd exclusively at the Cedar
Lee Theatre.]
Review by Bob
Ignizio
THE OTHER SON
is a well made, solidly acted film based around the familiar
melodramatic premise of the old “switched at birth” routine. In
this case, the mix-up involves an Israeli family and a Palestinian
family for additional dramatic oomph. The stage would seem to be set
for a cheesy, even risible film. Thankfully Lorraine Levy's instincts
as a director are to film the screenplay she co-wrote with Nathalie
Saugeon in a more understated fashion than the plot alone might
suggest, though not by much.
The changelings
here are Joseph (Jules Sitruk), who grew up with Jewish parents Orith
(Emmanuelle Devos) and Alon (Pascal Elbe), and Yacine (Mehdi Dehbi),
who was raised in Palestine by Leila (Areen Omari) and Said (Khalifa
Natour). Everyone involved, including various siblings, is
understandably shocked by the revelation, and each deals with it in
their own way. In general, though, the female family members are far
more accepting than the males. It all leads up to a “we're all
brothers” conclusion that, while it may well have some truth to it, feels far too
simplistic given the political realities of the middle east. 2 1/2
out of 4 stars.
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