The Band’s Visit (2007)

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Overlooked as Israel’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at this year’s Oscars – ostensibly because too much of the dialogue is spoken in English, but more probably because of its deeply humanist approach to the Middle East crisis – The Band’s Visit is a warm-hearted comedy about the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra’s disastrous visit to Israel to play a goodwill concert.

Stranded in a border town in their ludicrous blue suits, and at first treated with suspicion by the locals, these Arab interlopers nevertheless effect a delicate rapprochement over the course of one long night. Gorgeous, subtle and generous in its study of the ties that bind, The Band’s Visit is a richly rewarding film.