brilliant...
So this was my first Israel-produced movie, although I've seen a few dramas and animations about the country. This one differs as it has not a jot to do with any Israel-Palestine strife and centres on a purely emotional relationship between a married butcher and a mysterious young Jew who drops by his shop one day and turns his life around. Naturally the elders of the parish (does Judaism have parishes??) have a little to say about this, and the butchers wife is none too pleased. Told with minimal (Hebrew) dialogue and many pained looks, Eyes Wide Open is a touching little movie with many telling moments. It doesn't shout about the homosexuality of it's two leads, so much goes unsaid, in looks and subtexts. There are few locations - most of the 'action' takes place in the shop, the flat above and Aaron's family home, although there's a curiously sexually tense scene during a ritual bath that moves the relationship on a level. The smallness of the film works to its credit, and illustrates a novel take on the typical doomed gay romance - you know there's not going to be a happy ending for the pair but you still want Aaron (Zohar Strauss) to prolong the happiness he has found. Especially since Ezri (Ran Danker) is quite a cutie.
but...
I suppose at times the drama can be a little too slow moving. And it would really have been nice to have a glimmer of hope in the conclusion, although it's by no means a crushing downer. briefly...
A well acted romance with an interesting social setting, Eyes Wide Open is a credible addition to the gay genre and to romances in general.
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