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Poster for Lemon Tree

Lemon Tree

2008 · 1h 46m · Not Rated Drama
Directed by Eran Riklis

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Overview

Salma Zidane, a widow, lives simply from her grove of lemon trees in the West Bank's occupied territory. The Israeli defence minister and his wife move next door, forcing the Secret Service to order the trees' removal for security. The stoic Salma seeks assistance from the Palestinian Authority, Israeli army, and a young attorney, Ziad Daud, who takes the case. In this allegory, does David stand a chance against Goliath?

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
91%
Tomatometer
Fresh

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.

Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com
Fresh

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.

Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader
Fresh

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.

Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Fresh

This is a film about a problem, not a solution, and it's effectively upsetting.

Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh

The story, based on a real incident, may be simplistic, but that's the nature of fables. The direction is sure-handed, and the acting is good, particularly by the very appealing Abbass.

Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle

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