Let It Be Morning (2021) [Blu-ray Review]

Let It Be Morning is a 2021 Israeli movie that explores the struggles of Palestinians living in a small village in the West Bank. Directed by Eran Kolirin and based on the novel by Sayed Kashua, the film is a hauntingly relevant portrayal of the daily realities of life in Palestine. Today, we will take a closer look at the movie and discuss its socio-political satire, unique cinematography, and World Cinema impact.

I haven’t read the novel, but I enjoy the movie.

The movie centers around the story of Sami, a successful Arab-Israeli journalist living in Jerusalem. One morning, he decides to visit his hometown, a small village in the West Bank. However, when he arrives, he finds that the Israeli army has sealed off the village, and he is trapped there along with the other residents. As tensions rise and the situation becomes more and more dire, Sami begins to question his own identity and the choices he has made.

One of the most striking aspects of Let It Be Morning is its cinematography. The movie was shot in a documentary-style, with a handheld camera and natural lighting. This gives the film a raw and authentic feel, and adds to its sense of urgency and immediacy. The use of close-ups and long takes also helps to immerse the viewer in the story and create a sense of claustrophobia.

Another noteworthy aspect of the movie is its portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather than taking a political stance, the film focuses on the human experience of living in a conflict zone. It depicts the frustrations, fears, and hopes of ordinary people caught in the middle of a conflict they have little control over. This makes the movie not only an important commentary on the current situation in Palestine, but also a universal story about the human condition.

Some last thoughts on the movie.

Finally, Let It Be Morning is a movie that has the power to leave a lasting impact on its viewers. Its themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity are universal and timeless. The movie also raises important questions about the role of media and the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world around us. As such, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in cinema, social justice, or the human experience.

Given the film’s timing, Let It Be Morning has an interesting take on forced lockdowns being used to patrol human movement. Being trapped in an unexpected situation always produces crazy results. It’s just that watching the movie really makes me want to check out the book.

I’m sure having extra time and space to nail down the absurdity of the Palestinian situation makes the humor pop off more. But, the director gets the point across in under two hours.

The Cohen Collection gives Let It Be Morning its best Blu-ray presentation.

The Cohen Collection remains among the most reliable outlets for home video releases. Especially when it comes to arthouse movies and World Cinema titles. There aren’t any special features on the Let It Be Morning disc. But, that’s typical for a lower budgeted World Cinema film.

The Blu-ray‘s A/V Quality is pretty sharp for a fairly recent Israeli movie. The 1080p transfer easily stands up to most American releases. However, it’s a political tinged social drama. It’s not like the lossless 5.1 master audio track had a ton to show off. But, it works.

The Cohen Collection continues to mine those International favorites for American audiences. If that is your sort of thing, then check it out.

Let It Be Morning is now available!