Kissufim

Kissufim is a remarkable film. It captures the deep complexity of growing up in a conflict-ridden zone like Israel.

The kids in Kissufim have to maneuver the same traditional coming-of-age issues of any kids in the world: love, sex, career path, how they are perceived by others in the group. But these kids have to do it while inside a warzone - with weapons, enemies, and potential danger lurking around each corner.

What struck me is that kids already have enough to worry about when they are simply trying to avoid getting whacked in the butt by a senior ("Dazed and Confused"), but to layer on the backdrop gives this story a very real-life backbone.

Solid film.