English, Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles

Eytan Fox, Israel, 2006, 117 min. Is there a gay paradise? We’re not talking sandy beaches, bottomless cocktails, and sexy cabana boys or girls either. For star-crossed lovers Noam and Ashraf, the only way this life makes sense is to believe that somewhere, not torn by strife and intolerance, they can safely express their love for each other.

Noam (Ohad Knoller, Yossi & Jagger) is a handsome Israeli who works as an attendant in a record store, where he defiantly touts classic rock over bubble gum pop music. He lives in the hippest neighborhood, in the heart of Tel Aviv, sharing his Fiat with friends Lulu, an aspiring fashion designer, and Yali, a manager at a very trendy and gay-friendly restaurant-café. Noam also is serving his compulsory tour in the military reserve, occasionally getting assigned to guard checkpoints on the border of the Palestinian territories.

But even with commotion around him, Noam can’t seem to focus anywhere but on the eyes of a very attractive young Palestinian man. Imagine Noam’s surprise when Ashraf (Yousef “Joe” Sweid, Walk on Water), the same hot Arab boy from earlier that day, comes knocking on his door, returning the ID that Noam dropped at the checkpoint. The attraction between the two men is immediate and palpable, the chemistry boils over, and the sex is electric. They need to be together.

Noam convinces his two roommates to ignore their strict house rule on extended guest visits, and to help Ashraf stay in Tel Aviv illegally – giving him a makeover, a Hebrew name and a job at Yali’s restaurant. Life for the new lovers is rosy and perfect... for now, at least. When the roommates are not talking about their own man troubles, they are watching for news about the latest bombings or deadly confrontations between Jewish and Arab forces. It seems that without the television reports, no one would even notice that there is a bloody war raging beyond the streets lined with fancy boutiques, chic cafes, and cool neighborhoods.

Tel Aviv is “the bubble” of the Middle East – a liberal, European-style city wedged in the middle of a decades-long Israeli-Palestine conflict, oblivious to the casualties of war. Despite appearing apolitical and sheltered on the surface, the Israeli roommates do support liberal causes – distributing left-wing leaflets and organizing antioccupation raves. But is it naíve to believe that what they do makes much difference, and just as naíve to think that the current convenient and happy setup between Noam and Ashraf will last forever?