The Band's Visit

A truly lovely film from first-time Egyptian director Kolirin which should satisfy anyone with a soft spot for the deadpan likes of Jarmusch or Kaurismäki. We join the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Band (decked out in decidedly loud blue suits) as they arrive in a small Israeli town to play a concert at the local culture centre. Quickly realising they've made a wrong turn along the way, they grudgingly accept the sanctuary of a kind hearted bar owner and decide to spend a single night in this nowhere town. Themes of cultural and political displacement, as well as the joys of serendipity, are subtly and skillfully enmeshed in what is essentially a joyous, big-hearted and extremely satisfying comedy of manners.