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Foreign Letters is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that follows the journey of a young girl named Ellie, who moves from Israel to the United States with her parents in the 1980s. The film was written, directed, and produced by Ela Thier and premiered in 2012. The story revolves around Ellie (played by Noa Rotstein), a 12-year-old girl who struggles to adapt to her new surroundings and find her place in the world. She doesn't speak English very well and feels like an outsider at school, where she doesn't have any friends. The only person she can confide in is her neighbor, Thuy (played by Dalena Le), a Vietnamese-American girl who is also an outsider in her own way.

Throughout the film, we see Ellie and Thuy grow closer as they explore their shared experiences of feeling like strangers in a new country. They bond over their love for the Beatles and become pen pals, writing letters back and forth to each other in their native languages. These letters become a lifeline for Ellie, as she uses them to express her feelings and frustrations about her new life.

As Ellie tries to navigate the complex social dynamics of middle school, she also has to deal with her parents' marital problems. Her mother (played by Ela Thier) is struggling with depression and homesickness, which puts a strain on their family. Ellie feels guilty for not being able to make things better, but doesn't know how to help.

Despite all of these challenges, Ellie remains determined to find her place in America. She immerses herself in American culture, watching TV shows and listening to music to try and fit in. But she also holds onto her Israeli identity, keeping a special pebble from her homeland as a reminder of where she came from.

One of the strengths of Foreign Letters is its honest portrayal of the experience of being an immigrant in the United States. The film doesn't shy away from the difficulties that many immigrants face, such as language barriers and cultural differences. But it also celebrates the resilience and strength of immigrants, who are able to adapt and thrive in a new environment.

The performances in the film are excellent, especially from the young actors playing Ellie and Thuy. Noa Rotstein does a fantastic job conveying the emotions and frustrations of a 12-year-old who is trying to make sense of her new surroundings. Dalena Le also shines as Thuy, who is dealing with her own family issues while trying to navigate the complexities of being a Vietnamese-American in a predominantly white neighborhood.

Overall, Foreign Letters is a poignant and insightful portrayal of the immigrant experience. The film is full of heart and empathy, and will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider in a new place. It's a testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

Foreign Letters is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.