Why hello there! Welcome to this month’s World Cinema Club discussion. What did you think of Lemon Tree? Today I want to share my thoughts on the film with you and hear back with your opinions in the comments. Let me know what you think of the film!

I have to be honest and say I judge a film by it’s cover. I know, I know, how terrible of me. But in the case of Lemon Tree, it’s a good thing for the film because I love the DVD cover. If you’re expecting a happy-go-lucky, light-hearted indie flick then think again. I kind of thought that from the cover. It’s not like that. So, once that expectation is out of your head, you’re good to go.

The film focuses on Salma, a Palestinian widow who continues to tend her lemon grove long after her husband’s death. It starts with the Israeli Defence Minister moving in next door and soon having issues with the lemon grove and requesting its removal. However, Salma doesn’t go down without a fight and the film follows her struggles through court. I won’t tell you the ending!

I found myself really feeling for Salma. The actress who plays her really draws you in and you can’t help but be on her side. Yet at the same time, an important character is Mira, the Israeli Defence Minister’s wife, who shows elements of the same feelings you find yourself feeling for Salma, which is interesting.

From a language point of view, I enjoyed trying to hear the differences between Hebrew and Arabic. They’re both beautiful languages that I’ve had some exposure to this year via World Cinema Club and the Language Script Challenge and I’m sure I’ll venture further into them both in the future.

Over the summer, World Cinema Club is going to take a little break. Who wants to sit inside and watch films when it’s hot and sunny outside, right? Would you like more World Cinema Club in the autumn? Let me know in the comments!