Horst in Translation ([email protected]) 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.

MartinHafer Ari Sandel was a film student when he directed and co-wrote this amazing short film. Despite this less than impressive pedigree, the film ended up winning the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film for 2006 and is among the best shorts I have ever seen--and I've seen a lot!! Considering the title, it wasn't too surprising that this film is a gentle and funny parody of WEST SIDE STORY. However, instead of being set in New York, it's on the West Bank and instead of the Sharks and Jets, the two warring groups are Palestinians and Jews. Despite the seriousness of the problems in Israel and the occupied territories, I was happily surprised that the film was NOT heavy-handed and it was in fact very, very funny. It was a gentle spoof of the problems and hatreds and unless someone is a humorless idiot, there is a lot to love in the film.Of course there is a girl and a boy (just like in Romeo and Juliet) caught in the struggle--but instead of Capulettes and Montagues or Sharks and Jets, it's a struggle between rival fast food joints--the Kosher King and the Hummus Hut! The hats, the dialog, the songs all work together perfectly to create the mood and pull the viewer into the film.Not at all surprisingly, this film won the Oscar but I also felt a bit sad for the losers that year, as HELMER & SON and ONE TOO MANY were also amazingly good (and funny) short films.My advice is to see all of these films--they are included in the DVD "A Collection of 2006 Academy Award Nominated Short Films"--a must-have for fans of the genre. Also, keep your eye out for Ari Sandel--that guy is going places and I can't wait to see what he does next! 10 out of 10--my very highest rating.

TxMike At only 18 minutes, it doesn't require much effort to see this small but fine film. The setting is West Bank, Palestine, present day. The Jews and Muslims co-exist, but in a slightly strained relationship. The beginning is an homage to West Side Story, with similar groups and choreography. Thus the name, "West Bank Story." And, true to its inspiration, involves a budding love affair between a young man and a young woman from different backgrounds.The basic story involves competing fast-food stands, one Jewish and Kosher, the other Muslim. Each has its clientèle. Then, a mild altercation causes the Muslim hut to burn down, and while the Jews are watching and cheering, a spark floats over to burn the other down. In the end, all the people are still hungry and need to be fed, so they end up combining whatever is salvaged and feed the people.True to its humor, at the end the girl worries that the Jews and the Muslims will not be able to get along. He says, "If not, I will take you to a place where I hear Jews and Muslims live in harmony ... Beverly Hills."

MarrG If "Kosher King: The Chosen Restaurant" is your idea of a fresh and funny joke, you will love this film. It's packed with broad gags borrowed from the 1950s and 60s, with just a hint of modern, edgy humor to remind us of how daring this film could have been. As it has been nominated for an Academy Award, I saw it on the same evening as the other 4 nominees, which did so much more on what seem to be much lower budgets. IMDb wants me to write more, so in the film's defense, I will definitely give West Bank Story credit for being a spectacle for the eyes. Lots of color, much activity, flashy pyrotechnics, a realistic-looking fake camel, hired chickens (so say the credits)...they definitely used their budget.