Lemon Tree

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Lemon Tree

2009,

1h 46m,

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

91%

68 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

5,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

68 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Set in the West Bank, where Palestinian widow Salma Zidane tends her lemon grove. However, when Israeli Defense Minister Navon moves in across the way, his security guards demand she remove the trees, which could shelter terrorists. Refusing to bow down, she engages lawyer Ziad Daud to take her case to the Supreme Court, which brings international attention.

Critics Consensus

A positive and personal Israeli film that offers an understated and thought-provoking vision of the West Bank troubles.

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Jonathan F. Richards

Film.com

Aug 23, 2009

Eran Riklis, who directed and co-wrote with Suha Arraf (they also collaborated on The Syrian Bride), has made a compelling movie that takes its strength from the ground-level picture it gives of the human aspect of the problems in that part of the world.

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Andrea Gronvall

Chicago Reader

Jun 12, 2009

The two Israelis who take her side are female, which underscores the film's message: a little less machismo might save a lot more than trees.

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Joe Williams

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Jun 4, 2009

3/4

The pungence of Lemon Tree is in the surreal moments that capture the pervasive unease in Gaza, and in the quiet strength of Abbass' performance.

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Laura Hiros

Rincón de cine

Mar 21, 2018

2/5

... the result is predictable, the movie is memorable. [Full review in Spanish]

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Hannah Brown

Jerusalem Post

Mar 21, 2016

We're told what to think and whom to like in a way that short-circuits the chance for real drama.

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Don Groves

sbs.com.au

Jan 3, 2011

4/5

A touching tale of forbidden fruit in the Middle East.

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George S

Feb 26, 2012

This is a well done film highlighting the human side of the Palestinian/Israeli crisis. The acting is superb and the cinematography is excellent. The film may appear pro Palestinian but I don't think so. I think it shows that nobody wins in a war especially not the land. Humans ruin what God creates so easily. I highly recommend this film for entertainment and education.

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Eran Riklis

Director

Hiam Abbass

Salma Zidane

Doron Tavory

Defense Minister Israel Navon

Ali Suliman

Ziad Daud

Rona Lipaz-Michael

Mira Navon

Tarik Kopty

Abu Hassam

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Synopsis

Set in the West Bank, where Palestinian widow Salma Zidane tends her lemon grove. However, when Israeli Defense Minister Navon moves in across the way, his security guards demand she remove the trees, which could shelter terrorists. Refusing to bow down, she engages lawyer Ziad Daud to take her case to the Supreme Court, which brings international attention.

Director: Eran Riklis
Producer: Eran Riklis
Screenwriter: Suha Arraf, Eran Riklis
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: MACT Productions, Heimatfilm
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Arabic
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 17, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $566.1K
Runtime: 1h 46m

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