This is a 20-minute film from 2005 that won director and writer Ari Sandel an Academy Award. He wasn't too prolific in the last 10 years, but just had a pretty successful full feature movie at theaters this year again. Anyway, "West Bank Story" is as you may have guessed from the title a tale loosely based on the classic "West Side Story". It takes place on the Middle East and focuses in a funny manner on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The countries are represented by two falafel stands here who are competing against each other for the customers. Not much later, the girl from one stand falls in love with the boy from another. The male lead actor has not acted that much recently, more gone into writing it seems. I really did like his voice though. He made this actually a pretty good musical with his singing. The female lead actress is much more famous. You may have seen her on Charlie Sheen's "Anger Management" where she played a major character. She was still very young when "West Bank Story" was made. Looks-wise she fit the character nicely, but her role did not really demand and great acting. All in all, I enjoyed it. It's a witty creative tale on the whole Middle East Conflict that is pretty unique. This film can also be an inspiration for young filmmakers that a smart idea and solid execution can be enough to even win an Oscar. Recommended.
Review of West Bank Story
