Close to Home places the Israel-Palestine
conflict into the background and the social lives of young
Israeli female soldiers into the foreground. Close to Home
is much more a story of life and growing up than one with a
political message. It is not about governments but how the
decisions of politicians and religious leaders set the stage
for the drama that is young adulthood. The two central
characters, Mirit and Smadar are thrown together by the
commanding officer of their unit, and are made responsible
for stopping Arabs on the streets of Jerusalem for ID cards.
But Smadar and Mirit couldn't be more different. The two
remain unfriendly until a bomb explosion creates a tenuous
bond of friendship between the two. After the bombing, Mirit
and Smadar are given an easier assignment checking bags at
the entrance to a fancy hotel, but Mirit ignores her duties
and takes off with a guest ultimately landing her in a
military prison. Mirit's and Smadar's passions and interests
are surprisingly divorced from the Israel-Palestine
conflict. The compulsory army service is seen as just
another unpleasant hurdle to clear in order to start the
adult portion of one's life.
©2007 IFC FILMS. All rights reserved.
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