Searing drama told in a candid manner is a winner. Superbly acted done in minimalistic style. In fact the camera hardly moves and most of the scenes are done in a single shot. Yet another Israeli film that makes you wonder in awe. What on earth is happening there?... This one was made in 2004 but so many suprb first films are coming out of Israel. I guess I should look for Jaffa now, the second film made by Keren Yedaya.

[font=Century Gothic][color=blue]"Or(My Treasure)" is a movie from Israel about teenaged Or(Dana Ivgy) and her mother Ruthie(Ronit Elkabetz). At the beginning of the movie, Or is picking up her mother at a hospital where she has been treated for depression. Due to Ruthie's problems, of which there are many, Or has taken on the duties of breadwinner for the household - collecting empty bottles for refunds in the morning; working in a neighborhood restaurant in the evening. As you can imagine, this leaves little time for school and Ruthie is not really aware what affect her behavior is having on her daughter. Or is at an age when she is starting to take control of her life and is beginning to become familiar with the opposite sex.[/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff]"Or(My Treasure)" is a worthy examination of life on the economic edge with excellent performances. But there are questions that are not answered - like how long has Ruthie been like this? Plus, there is a decision late in the movie that I just don't believe. [/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][color=darkslategray]"The Two of Us" starts out in Nazi-occupied France in 1943, just as young Claude attempts to shoplift a toy tank or two.(He would have been better off stealing a real one...) Claude is Jewish and his father dearly wants his son to keep himself out of trouble so as not to attract undue attention. Since there is also bombing going on, the parents decide to send Claude to the country to spend time with a friend's father for safekeeping. The catch is that the old man is a virulent anti-semite and Claude cannot give away that he is Jewish.[/color][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][color=#2f4f4f]"The Two of Us" is a funny touching coming-of-age movie about a very serious subject. As an added plus, there is a degree of complexity surrounding the old man - he is an unapologetic bigot but he also has a heart of gold but it turns out that Claude is actually much wiser than his aged host.[/color][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][color=black]"The Truce" is based on Primo Levi's autobiographical telling of his journey back from Auschwitz after it has been liberated by the Soviet army to his native Italy. Along the way, he encounters various characters who are either returning to their homelands or trying to return to their old lives. [/color][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=#0000ff][color=#000000]On the plus side, "The Truce" is about a part of history that is rarely focused on - the repatriation of refugees after World War II. It is also quite nice looking. However, the movie is hardly subtle. Yes, we realize the significance of Auschwitz being liberated, so we don't need the orchestral flourishes to emphasize this.(And yes I thought the four horsemen was laying it on a bit much.) Also, John Turturro really seems like a supporting player when the movie should be about his character and he is often upstaged by Rada Serbedzija playing a rakish Greek citizen, also heading home. [/color] [/color][/font]

Important movie but very hard to watch, dealing with very important social issue that is of personal interest to many people in Israel and around the world.

Amazing! it has a lot of sadness, pain but also hope. definitely one of the best israeli films ever made.

For anyone who ever thought that being a prostitute is by choice

whoa! subtle, sad, deep, but there is also a hopefulness and clarity in it's lack of judgment

Unforgetable, prime movie, that sticks one in your gut and does not let go.

Mon Trésor, une claque dans ta gueule.

Although Or is based on fiction, it's a disturbingly harsh portrayal of gender/poverty issues that is a reality for women in many countries. Or is a story about a teenager who becomes a chid prostitute to support her mother--and the choices that the girl and mother makes which impact one another.

Super realistic. very hard to take

Like mother like daughter

I can feel both Or and her mother were struggling, but the moive itself is tenseless. I could not devote myself in the movie.

Sad. Moving. One of those 'Ihopehopehopethereisstillachancethiswillendwellbutitcangoeitherway'. As it does. See it!

Sorglig film men åh så bra

Amazing and realistic!

A realistic depiction of the struggles faced by a mother and her daughter. The young daughter eventually fell into what she tried so hard to protect her mom from.

Amazing! Such a natural movie, and very real. This film isn't exactly happy. the life is hard and she doesn't have much choice and cannot make a living in the situation of her mother. she can only do what is offered to her. Messes like this are everywhere...

My favorite film of 2004

Sad! And no resolutions.

Disturbing, intelligent, realistic, i could go on and on about this gritty portrayal of a mother and daughter stuck in a cycle of poverty and prostitution. Excellent performances from the actors, and great direction + cinematic artistry from Keren Yedaya. Amazing!