Band's Visit, The

When members of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra find themselves stranded overnight in a small Israeli town, they are given shelter by local residents. Warmly entertaining reaffirmation of the brotherhood of man told without a trace of cloying sentimentality. The film features an captivating performance by Ronit Elkabetz, who is reminiscent of a young Anna Magnani, as the worldly-wise owner of a small restaurant. If you have to be stranded anywhere, hope that the experience will be as rewarding as the one shared by the characters in this fine movie. A rare treasure of a film that you will long remember.