Close to Home

CLOSE TO HOME places the Israel-Palestine conflict into the background and the social lives of young Israeli female soldiers into the foreground. Close to Home is much more a story of life and growing up than one with a political message. It is not about governments but how the decisions of politicians and religious leaders set the stage for the drama that is young adulthood. The two central characters, Mirit and Smadar are thrown together by the commanding officer of their unit, and are made responsible for stopping Arabs on the streets of Jerusalem for ID cards. But Smadar and Mirit couldn't be more different. The two remain unfriendly until a bomb explosion creates a tenuous bond of friendship between the two. After the bombing, Mirit and Smadar are given an easier assignment checking bags at the entrance to a fancy hotel, but Mirit ignores her duties and takes off with a guest ultimately landing her in a military prison. Mirit's and Smadar's passions and interests are surprisingly divorced from the Israel-Palestine conflict. The compulsory army service is seen as just another unpleasant hurdle to clear in order to start the adult portion of one's life.

“Like many Israeli films, CLOSE TO HOME is strikingly sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians and, as such, qualifies as exemplary humanism under the most extreme pressure.” (Andrew Sarris, New York Observer)

“One of the rare movies from Israel that refuses to spell out its politics, and you may wind up grateful for the ambiguity.” (Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly)