"God's Slave" (2013 release from Venezuela; 91 min.) brings the story, based on true events, of two men who couldn't be more different, yet find their paths crossing each other's lives. As the movie opens, we are reminded it is "Lebanon, 1975", and Admed, a young Muslim boy, sees his father getting brutally murdered. But by whom? We then shift to "Caracas, 1990". Admed is now a man and he has been selected (by whom?) to build a new life in Venezuela, where he marries a local, has a baby and integrates in the community as a doctor. Yet it is all a sham and he is just waiting "for a phone call some time in the future". We then shift to "Buenos Aires, 1994", where we get to know David, the head of the Israeli Embassy's Security Department. He is tasked with protecting the large Jewish population in Buenos Aires. What will become of Admed and David? To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: the first half of the movie is tough to watch, to be honest. Not because the movie isn't any good, but because you will likely be appalled, as was I, by the senseless fanaticism displayed by the Muslims, who will go to any length, if we can believe the portrayal shown in the movie, to kill Jews. At some point there is a large attack on a Jewish synagogue resulting in 80 deaths and dozens more severely wounded, and the movie shows a group of Muslims watching it on TV and screaming "We crushed the Jews!", celebrating like their team has scored a goal in the World Cup. Just sickening. The second half of the movie is far more nuanced, when it focuses much more on the two lead characters, and the doubts both of them have as they plow on. Whereas the first half focuses on religious hatred and fanaticism, the second half plays out more like a political cat-and-mouse thriller. It's amazing to think that this movie is directed by a young (27) and upcoming talent in his feature length debut. I also want to point out the beautiful (even if mostly somber) musical score, composed by Emilio Kauderer. The DVD comes with a making-of featurette as well as interviews with the director, producer and the lead actors. Bottom line: "God's Slave" is definitely worth checking out.
This is the April, 2015 release in Film Movement's DVD-of-the-Month-Club. No idea why it has taken this long for the US release of this but better late than never. As usual, the DVD comes with a bonus shortie, and this time we are truly treated to something special. "Machsom" (2013 release from Israel; 24 min.) brings the story of a conflicted 19 yr. old Israeli soldier who is stationed at a dangerous checkpoint along the West Bank. Just watch! Meanwhile, "God's Slave" is a worthwhile addition to the ever-growing Film Movement catalog of foreign and indie movies.
