Watch Jaffa

Jaffa is a heart-warming and dramatic film that explores the intricacies of family relationships, love, and cultural differences in modern-day Israel. Directed by Keren Yedaya and released in 2009, the movie tells the story of a young Jewish woman named Mali, her Arab boyfriend Toufik, and the complex dynamics that arise when their families collide.

The film is set in Jaffa, a mixed Jewish-Arab city located in Israel's central coast. The diversity of the city is central to the narrative, as the characters struggle to navigate the cultural and religious differences between them. The story begins with Mali, a beautiful and free-spirited young woman, who works at her father's garage in Jaffa. Mali is deeply in love with her Arab boyfriend Toufik, but their relationship is anything but simple. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day scenes, the audience learns about their history and what they have to overcome in order to stay together.

One of the main sources of conflict in the movie is the relationship between Mali's father Reuven and Toufik's mother Suha. Reuven, a gruff and traditional Jewish man, is strongly opposed to his daughter being involved with an Arab man. He sees Mali's relationship with Toufik as a betrayal of their shared Jewish identity and the racial tensions that exist between the two groups. Suha, on the other hand, is a warm and compassionate woman who genuinely cares for Mali, but she is also fiercely protective of her own cultural traditions.

As the story unfolds, we see the ways in which these two families are forced to interact and confront their biases and prejudices. There are moments of humor and tenderness in their interactions, but there is also a sense of underlying tension and unease. For example, Toufik's nephew is a feisty young boy named Ziad who is fascinated by Mali's father's vintage motorcycle. When Reuven gives the boy a ride on the bike, it creates a moment of connection between the two families, but it also highlights the cultural divide that separates them.

The film is beautifully shot, with the vibrant city of Jaffa serving as a stunning backdrop for the story. The performances by the cast are superb, particularly Dana Ivgy as Mali and Moni Moshonov as Reuven. Ronit Elkabetz is also outstanding as Suha, imbuing her character with depth and nuance.

Overall, Jaffa is a powerful and moving film that explores the complex cultural and personal tensions that exist in contemporary Israel. It is a reminder of the universality of love and the ways in which it can transcend traditional boundaries and create connections between people from different backgrounds.

Jaffa is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.