This is the story of how the state of Israel was born. It is also a story that never gets out of date because of the situation in the country today. Unlike other sources of information this film does not judge anyone. It treats this delicate subject with respect and tries its best to inject hope into everyone.
Paul Newman plays Jewish activist Ari Ben Canaan, who arrives in a post WWII Cyprus to arrange a mass demonstration of sorts. He is going to arrange an escape of Jewish refugees from their camp on the island of Cyprus to Palestine, the long lost homeland. For this he needs a ship and the help of Westerners, mainly Eva Marie Saint's American nurse. The story starts here, but goes on and on creating new story lines as it goes. Not a bad thing, but the film grows in length and might be considered too long by many.
This is an epic film. It is modern political history mixed with drama and action at its best. Paul Newman is absolutely explosive and furious as the bitter, but hopeful Ben Canaan. Sal Mineo's young Israeli terrorist is also worth mentioning. Eva Marie Saint is a bit too pale as Newman's love interest, but is assisted by other members of the cast in a terrific way. John Derek, who plays Newman's childhood friend Taha, is very believable as a Palestinian village eldest hoping for peace between the two peoples. Finally, the script is very mature and witty, reaching almost biblical proportions at times. The music sweeps you off your feet and Otto Preminger's directing is a great example of how you make an epic film without overdoing it.
Whatever your thoughts might be on the conflict in the Middle East and Israel, this is definitely a film of hope. Although the ending might seem tragic and perhaps too up-to-date, it still gives its audience hope for a better tomorrow for both Israelis and Palestinians. Side by side in peace.
Exodus is a definite 10/10. Don't miss it.
Paul Newman plays Jewish activist Ari Ben Canaan, who arrives in a post WWII Cyprus to arrange a mass demonstration of sorts. He is going to arrange an escape of Jewish refugees from their camp on the island of Cyprus to Palestine, the long lost homeland. For this he needs a ship and the help of Westerners, mainly Eva Marie Saint's American nurse. The story starts here, but goes on and on creating new story lines as it goes. Not a bad thing, but the film grows in length and might be considered too long by many.
This is an epic film. It is modern political history mixed with drama and action at its best. Paul Newman is absolutely explosive and furious as the bitter, but hopeful Ben Canaan. Sal Mineo's young Israeli terrorist is also worth mentioning. Eva Marie Saint is a bit too pale as Newman's love interest, but is assisted by other members of the cast in a terrific way. John Derek, who plays Newman's childhood friend Taha, is very believable as a Palestinian village eldest hoping for peace between the two peoples. Finally, the script is very mature and witty, reaching almost biblical proportions at times. The music sweeps you off your feet and Otto Preminger's directing is a great example of how you make an epic film without overdoing it.
Whatever your thoughts might be on the conflict in the Middle East and Israel, this is definitely a film of hope. Although the ending might seem tragic and perhaps too up-to-date, it still gives its audience hope for a better tomorrow for both Israelis and Palestinians. Side by side in peace.
Exodus is a definite 10/10. Don't miss it.
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