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Asia is a 2020 Israeli drama film directed and co-written by Ruthy Pribar. The movie tells the story of a single mother named Asia, portrayed by Alena Yiv, who raises her daughter Vika, played by Shira Haas, in Israel. Vika suffers from a degenerative disease that affects her speech and motor skills, which puts a strain on their relationship.

Despite their difficulties, Asia does her best to provide for Vika by working long hours as a nurse at a hospital, while Vika attends a special school for children with disabilities. Asia tries to balance her work and life as a mother, but she often feels isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed by the constant demands of caring for Vika.

Their relationship becomes even more complicated when Asia begins a romantic relationship with a young musician named Gabriel, played by Tamir Mula. Gabriel acts as a catalyst for change in Asia's life by encouraging her to pursue her passion for photography and to embrace her own desires and needs.

Asia is a moving and emotional story of a mother's love and sacrifice for her child. The film explores themes of motherhood, illness, family, and identity, as well as the universal human desires for love, connection, and self-discovery.

The acting in Asia is exceptional, particularly from Alena Yiv and Shira Haas, who both deliver nuanced and powerful performances. Yiv embodies Asia's strength, vulnerability, and resilience as a mother, while Haas portrays Vika's frustration, anger, and longing for independence with authenticity and empathy. Tamir Mula also shines as Gabriel, a charming and caring character who provides a much-needed source of support and inspiration for Asia.

The cinematography and direction in Asia are also noteworthy. The film captures the stark beauty and complexity of Israel's urban landscapes and creates an intimate and immersive atmosphere that allows the audience to empathize with the characters' struggles and emotions.

In conclusion, Asia is an outstanding film that delves deep into the complexities of motherhood, illness, and identity with sensitivity, authenticity, and emotional depth. The film's exceptional acting, cinematography, and direction make it a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the human condition and the power of love to transform and heal.

Asia is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 77.