West Bank Story [Review for JMC 406]

West Bank Story is a short parody that makes light of a serious situation: the Palestine and Israel conflict. The film parodies the classic musical West Side Story.

In the movie, David, an Israeli soldier, who’s  family owns the Kosher King, falls in love Palestinian cashier Fatima, who’s family owns the Hummus Hut.

The enemies-made-lovers try unsuccessfully to initiate peace between the dueling fast food restaurants. The fighting results in a fire that burns down both places.

Despite the fire, West Bank Story doesn’t end in tragedy like West Side Story does. Among the wreckage the workers discover a new, promising opportunity.

The movie does a great job of making various cultural and religious differences not as big a deal as we make them out to be. At the end of the day we are all humans. By using satire, writers Kim Ray and Ari Sandel create a humorous “love concurs all” story. The film reminds us that something better is possible if we work together.