The Band's Visit Review

Hype:  The Band's Visit is a movie I just recently heard about.  From what I understand it is a foreign film about a band.  Other than that I don't know anything about this film.  I have heard it is one of the better films of this year.  I do enjoy foreign films so let's see how The Band's Visit is.

Initial Review:  I must say The Band's Visit was a pleasant surprise.  The Band's Visit is about the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra that travels from Egypt to Israel.  On the way to their gig, they end up arriving in the wrong town.  Since there won't be another bus until the next day, the band must find a place to stay.  The band ends up getting split into three groups and the rest of the film follows the awkward cultural differences the band and members of the town experience.

What I really enjoyed about The Band's Visit is the awkward moments that the band experienced on their night out on the town.  One of the band members, Haled, got to tag along with a double date and they went to a roller skate place.  One of the guys is uncomfortable with the girl he is on the date with, so Haled helps him out by showing him some moves.  You could really feel how uncomfortable the guy was and that just made it hilarious.

Another awkward scenario was with the band's leader Tawfiq and his night with Dina.  Dina is the owner of the diner that the band stops at to eat and she offers for Tawfiq and Haled to stay at her place.  While watching Tawfiq and Dina interact you could tell Dina is interested in Tawfiq, but Tawfiq isn't that interested.  As time progress you can start to feel Tawfiq warming up to Dina, but something happens that kinda destroys the mood.

The Band's Visit is a pleasure to watch and really interesting to see apart of the Israeli culture.  I was surprised with how funny this movie was.  I was expecting more of a serious drama, but instead it was more of an awkwardly funny drama.  I would totally recommend this film.  If you are interested in a quality movie that was recently released on DVD, then The Band's Visit is for you.