Watch Two Blue Lines

Two Blue Lines is a powerful and emotional drama film set in contemporary Israel, which explores the sensitive topic of surrogacy and the complexities surrounding family planning. Directed by Tomer Heymann, the film was released in 2015 and features an exceptional cast including Adam Keller, Hanna Barag, Shifra Hoffman, Cheryl Mandel, and Nadia Matar.

The movie follows Maya (played by Hanna Barag), a young singer who dreams of becoming a mother, but is unable to due to her medical condition. Her partner Avishai (played by Adam Keller) is also keen to start a family, but they face multiple challenges including surrogacy laws and traditional expectations from their families. Maya's sister, Shifra (played by Shifra Hoffman), agrees to be their surrogate, but their plans are further complicated by the political and social turmoil in Israel.

Maya and Avishai's story is intertwined with that of Nadia (played by Nadia Matar), a religious settler and mother of ten, who campaigns against surrogacy and abortion. The film explores the contrasting attitudes towards parenthood and family planning between secular and religious Israelis, which highlights the broader cultural and religious divisions within the country.

As the film progresses, Maya and Avishai face multiple setbacks and obstacles on their journey to parenthood. They encounter hostility from religious fundamentalists and receive little support from the legal and healthcare systems. Maya is forced to make difficult decisions as she struggles with her own physical and emotional challenges. In contrast, Nadia's family is depicted as a model of traditional family values, but their beliefs and values are challenged by the surrogacy process.

The film's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing Israel's diverse landscapes and topography. From the crowded streets of Jerusalem to the rolling hills of the West Bank, the visual narrative conveys the complexity of the political and social context in which the story takes place. The use of music is also notable, with Maya's singing conveying the vulnerability and resilience of her character.

Two Blue Lines is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that tackles important social issues while showcasing the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters. The film offers a uniquely Israeli perspective on surrogacy and family planning, as well as broader themes of identity, politics, and religion. The inclusion of real-life footage of demonstrations and interviews with activists and politicians adds to the film's authenticity and relevance. Overall, Two Blue Lines is a captivating and insightful film that is sure to resonate with audiences beyond Israel's borders.

Two Blue Lines is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.