Policeman
Hashoter
“Lapid’s debut feature is one of the most provocative films to come out of Israel in recent years; Waltz with Bashir and Lebanon are, by comparison, tame and equivocating.” — Richard Porton, Cinéaste
Screenplay: Nadav Lapid
Producer: Itai Tamir
Photography: Shai Goldman
Editor: Era Lapid
In Hebrew with English subtitles
With: Yiftach Klein, Yaara Pelzig, Michael Mushonov, Menashe Noi, Michael Aloni, Gal Hoyberger, Meital Berdah, Shaul Mizrahi, Rona-Lee Shimon, Ben Adam
Festivals: Locarno, New York, Vancouver, London 2011; San Francisco 2012
Two passionately narcissistic groups – one a highly disciplined and patriotic elite police unit, the other an extremist cadre of middle-class anti-government activists – are characterised with brilliant intensity in this provocative Israeli drama. Deploying an exceptionally good-looking cast, director-screenwriter Nadav Lapid may be coolly, analytically detached, but he jabs us with the powers of attraction that operate within each tribe. (The eponymous Yaron, a self-idealising hunk of blinding virile grace is a notable addition to the ranks of movie copdom.) A billionaire’s wedding provides the occasion for inevitable, violent confrontation. — BG
“A boldly conceived and bracingly told political drama, Policeman possesses a special contemporary pertinence… The main performances are powerful, the visuals are bold and vivid, the final effect one of the gut having been punched and the mind stirred.” — Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter
“In Israel, this outstanding political film has become a standard-bearer for youth who are angry with a government they loathe. Elsewhere in the world, Policeman may well also impress for more than the chilling perfection of its direction.” — Olivier Père, Cinema Scope
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