THE BAND'S VISIT

"The Band's Visit" is a thoroughly delightful comedy from Israel that might remind you of early Milos Forman or the films of Aki Kaurismaki. It was directed by Eran Kolirin, a filmmaker I'm not acquainted with but after this I will certainly be looking out for him. Indeed, this is something of a small masterpiece and if it were an American comedy it would almost certainly be a cult classic.

The very simple plot is about an Egyptian police band who comes to Israel to play a concert, more as a political gesture than a cultural one. Naturally nothing goes quite according to plan. It's beautifully acted down to the smallest part and although very funny, the humour is totally unforced, (it might also remind you more than a little of Bill Forsyth). A joy from start to finish, this simply shouldn't be missed.