Watch I Love You Rosa

I Love You Rosa is a heartfelt and realistic drama about love, honor, and tradition. Directed by Moshé Mizrahi in 1972, the movie was one of the first Israeli films to address taboo subjects such as interfaith relationships and homosexuality, with sensitivity and compassion. The story centers on Rosa (Michal Bat-Adam), a beautiful, smart, and vivacious young woman who is respected and admired by everyone in her religious Jewish community. Rosa is engaged to David (Gabi Otterman), a handsome and diligent student of the Torah who has been chosen by her father to be her husband. However, Rosa is secretly in love with Natan (Moshe Tal), a kind and gentle Arab Christian who works as a gardener in her family's estate.

As the wedding date approaches, Rosa becomes increasingly torn between her duty to her family, her love for David, and her desire for Natan. She confides in her mother Esther (Nitza Shaul), who understands her dilemma but urges her to obey her father and marry David. Meanwhile, Natan confesses his feelings to Rosa and persuades her to run away with him to the city, where they hope to start a new life together.

The narrative unfolds slowly and gracefully, through quiet conversations, lingering glances, and tender gestures. The cinematography by Adam Greenberg captures the lush landscapes of the Galilee and the dusty streets of Nazareth with equal beauty and intimacy. The music by Arik Einstein and Yoni Rechter enhances the emotional resonance of the story without being intrusive or manipulative.

The performances by the three leads are outstanding, conveying in subtle and nuanced ways the conflicting emotions and loyalties of their characters. Bat-Adam, in particular, is mesmerizing as Rosa, radiating a mixture of joy, sorrow, doubt, and courage that is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her chemistry with Tal is palpable and authentic, creating a sense of forbidden love that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.

The movie explores several themes that are relevant and universal, such as the tension between individual desire and collective obligation, the complexity of intercultural relationships, and the challenges of being true to oneself in a rigid and patriarchal society. It also portrays with honesty and insight the drudgery and boredom of domestic life, the joys and sorrows of friendship, and the bonds and conflicts within families.

One of the striking aspects of I Love You Rosa is its respect for every character's perspective and dignity, regardless of their beliefs or actions. Mizrahi does not judge or condemn anyone, but rather invites the viewer to empathize with each one's struggles and dreams. He also avoids stereotyping or exoticizing Arab or Jewish culture, depicting them as vibrant and diverse communities with their own customs and values.

At the same time, the movie is not without flaws or moments of mawkishness. Some of the supporting actors deliver wooden performances, and some of the scenes drag on too long or are too predictable. The climax of the movie is also somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving the viewer with a sense of ambiguity and resignation.

However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall impact and poignancy of I Love You Rosa. As a pioneering film that dared to address controversial themes with sensitivity and intelligence, it deserves to be recognized as a milestone in Israeli cinema and a testament to the power of love to transcend borders and traditions.