Watch Carmel

Carmel is a 2009 Israeli drama film directed by Amos Gitai. The movie stars Amitai Ashkenazi, Ben Eidel, and Eliran Eyal in the lead roles. The movie revolves around a mother-son relationship and the struggles of coming to terms with death and loss. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Carmel mountain in Israel, the movie explores human emotions with great sensitivity and depth.

The movie starts with a car crash that kills the mother of the protagonist, Eyal (played by Amitai Ashkenazi). Eyal is a 22-year-old IDF soldier who is stationed at a checkpoint in the occupied territories of Palestine. The sudden death of his mother shatters him completely. He is overcome with grief and guilt as he feels responsible for her death. Eyal's father (played by Amos Gitai himself) is a renowned scientist who is too engrossed in his work to console his son.

In the subsequent scenes, we see Eyal grappling with his mother's death. He tries to come to terms with it by exploring their relationship and revisiting the places they used to visit together. His mother was a tour guide in Carmel mountain, and Eyal decides to take her place and give tours to tourists. He forms a bond with a couple of American tourists who are in Israel on a honeymoon. They listen to his stories and anecdotes, and in the process, Eyal gains some solace and peace of mind.

As Eyal tries to cope with his mother's death, he meets Yael (played by Eliran Eyal), a girl who is also dealing with loss. Her father is a Holocaust survivor who suffers from PTSD, and Yael is the only one who takes care of him. Eyal and Yael form a connection based on their shared experiences of loss and grief. They offer each other comfort and support in their darkest moments.

The movie is shot beautifully, and the cinematography captures the essence of the metaphorical mountain, Carmel. The mountain serves as a symbol of hope and introspection as Eyal navigates through his emotional upheaval. The music is haunting, and the slow-paced narrative captures the quietness of mourning.

Overall, Carmel is a poignant and heart-wrenching movie that offers a unique perspective on the grieving process. The movie delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and the long-lasting impact of loss. It portrays how relationships are a source of strength and how connections with strangers can help in overcoming grief. The movie is a testament to the power of cinema in capturing the essence of the human experience. If you are looking for a moving movie that will touch your heart and leave you introspective, Carmel is a must-watch.

Carmel is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.