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Holy Land is a 2010 independent drama film directed by David Wnendt, starring Kentucker Audley, Bunny Lampert, and David Maloney. The film is centered around the journey of James (Audley), a young man who lives in rural Alabama but dreams of becoming a missionary in the Holy Land. Despite his conservative Christian background, James is filled with doubts about his faith and the world around him.

The movie opens with a scene of James being baptized in a creek by his preacher father. Soon after, James travels to Jerusalem to participate in a Christian work program. His goal is to help build a settlement in the West Bank, which he sees as his personal mission. However, upon arrival, he discovers that the work program is rife with abuse and mistreatment of Palestinian workers. James is forced to confront his naïve ideas about the situation in Israel and the nature of the conflict.

Throughout the film, James struggles with his faith and the challenges he faces in the Holy Land. He meets a diverse cast of characters, including a young Jewish settler (Lampert) and a Palestinian boy (Maloney) who works on the settlement. Through his interactions with them, James begins to question his own beliefs and preconceptions. He is challenged to examine the role of religion in perpetuating violence and oppression, and to consider the humanity of those on both sides of the conflict.

The setting of the Holy Land serves as a potent backdrop for the film's themes of faith, identity, and conflict. Wnendt captures the beauty and complexity of the region through stunning cinematography that showcases the stark landscapes and bustling streets. The director also captures the tensions and unease of everyday life in the region, portraying the checkpoints, barbed wire fences, and military presence that permeate the landscape.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Holy Land is not without moments of levity and charm. There are scenes of James exploring the ancient city of Jerusalem, haggling with street vendors, and chatting with his roommates. These scenes offer a glimpse of the daily life and culture of the region, and serve to humanize the people caught up in the conflict.

The performances in the film are subtle and nuanced, with each actor bringing a sense of complexity and depth to their character. Kentucker Audley delivers a convincing portrayal of James, conveying his inner turmoil and doubts with a quiet intensity. Bunny Lampert and David Maloney also shine in their supporting roles, adding depth and dimension to their characters.

Overall, Holy Land is a thoughtful and contemplative film that tackles complex themes with sensitivity and nuance. It offers a powerful critique of the role of religion in conflict, and raises important questions about the nature of faith and identity. While it doesn't offer easy answers, the film is a moving exploration of the human experience in the midst of conflict and uncertainty.

Holy Land is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.