Amos Lavi Movies

Offering a richly detailed and carefully researched view of Jerusalem at the turn-of-the century, this romantic drama depicts a time when the city was a haven for both Arabs and Jews and tells the story of a barren wife who makes a great sacrifice by allowing her husband to take a second wife while still married to her. It's not that Rebecca does not love her husband Jacob, a prominent Sephardic rabbi. She would do anything to make him happy. Unfortunately, after 15 happily married years, she has not conceived a child. Though Jacob's love, devotion and support has remained unwavering, Rebecca has been chastised by her neighbors and her mother-in-law into believing that she has failed her husband. To this end, she suggests that Jacob marry a young virgin so that he may continue his family line. Jacob is reluctant, but eventually gives in. At first the odd union works out, but in time, Rebecca finds herself becoming jealous of the new bride and this creates considerable turmoil. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Although it claims to be "suggested by an Edgar Allen Poe" story, this British production is basically a remake of Karl Freund's 1932 The Mummy -- but with nude shower scenes. Tony Curtis, in the Boris Karloff role, becomes obsessed with a young blonde woman whom he believes to be the reincarnated spirit of an Egyptian princess. She begins having nightmares, hallucinations, and starts hearing voices, while people around her suddenly start turning up brutally murdered. ~ Brian Gusse, Rovi

Based on the novel A Forbidden Love by Chayym Zeldis, this drama tells of a young Jewish Israeli soldier who meets up with his childhood Arabic friend and the two fall in love. Unfortunately, the couple must face a number of tragic circumstances as they attempt to be together in a religiously prejudiced and war-torn country. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi

Based on a popular Israeli war novel and set during the country's 1948 War of Independence within besieged Jerusalem, this symbolic, gripping film from noted director Amos Guttman offers an unflinching, reality-tinged look at the trauma and pain of those who suffered to create their country. It is also a strange love story between a pretty volunteer nurse and those in the temporary hospital ward where she works. The "hospital" is actually an abandoned monastery and her ward is located in the belfry. She became a volunteer following the death of her lover, a soldier. Among the injured, the patients have managed to form a hierarchy and two sometimes-rowdy young fellows have become the leaders. Also in the ward is Himmo, a blinded soldier who has had most of his limbs amputated without anesthesia, something not available in the besieged city. When the "leaders" see their new nurse, they immediately decide they are in love with her. Then Himmo is moved into their ward. The only words he can speak are "shoot me, shoot me" and everyone, even Himmo's brother Lavi, knows that he will soon die. At first the nurse is frightened of Himmo and his horrible injuries, but then she learns from one of the leaders, Himmo's best friend, that the mutilated man in the bed was once called "Himmo, King of Jerusalem," and was a charismatic ladies man. Intrigued, the nurse begins to find herself somehow drawn to the former "king." Soon fascination turns to something close to obsession, and when she begins treating the other patients with only perfunctory professionalism, resentment begins to build. The tension reaches its peak when Himmo gets moved to the bed nearest the door, the spot reserved for those about to die. The nurse moves her own bed next to his. One night she is tenderly caring for the suffering Himmo when tensions explode. Though Himmo has unwittingly created resentment, he has also created a difficult dilemma. Though in terrible pain and obviously desperate to die, his body refuses to give up, causing the nurse and the ward to agonize about whether or not they have the courage to end his life themselves. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

An engaging family drama that highlights the effects of a father's personality on those closest to him, Ad Soff Halayla is speaking to wider issues of human relationships. Bernard (Yoseph Millo) is a lifetime agnostic, a respectable physician, and a man not given to showing emotion. Bernard marries Ruth (Orna Porath) in Germany, and they later emigrate to Israel. Years go by, and their grown son Giora (Assaf Dayan) is drummed out of the military on false charges. This nearly drives Giora to the brink because he had hoped for a military career, and so in order to survive he manages a bar in Tel Aviv -- and takes to philandering and drinking as well. Bernard's life is in shambles when Ruth tires of their staid existence and leaves to be on her own -- and now both father and son have to iron out the differences that separate them.
~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

When a man is released from a mental hospital he encounters a severe emotional blow that threatens his recovery -- his wife has left him, and she has taken their son with her. From this unstable situation the man leaves to fulfill his annual one-month's military service, and while back in the army, he regains some self-esteem as the camaraderie and mutual support of his buddies helps him to stabilize -- but his personal struggle with his own demons is far from over. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi