Watch Harmonia

Harmonia is a 2016 Israeli film directed by Ori Sivan. The film retells the biblical story of Sarah, Abraham, and Hagar, from the perspective of the Sarai, Abraham's wife. The movie is set in a Jerusalem philharmonic orchestra, where the characters play the role of musicians. Harmonia unveils the tension between the musical powers and political issues in Israel.

The film stars Tali Sharon as Sarah and Alon Aboutboul as Abraham, while Hagar is replaced by Hagar's daughter, played by Hend Ayoub. Tom Cohen plays Isaac, the son of Sarah and Abraham, and Ryan Ben-Yehuda plays Ishmael, the son of Hagar.

The film opens with music director Abraham and his wife Sarah performing at their orchestra. The couple has a complex and often distant relationship, a reflection of the biblical characters about whom the story is based. Sarah's infertility and inability to conceive have caused issues and tension in her relationship with Abraham. When Hagar's daughter, a young Palestinian girl, joins the orchestra as a violinist, Sarah decides to take her under her wing and teach her.

The story evolves with the relationships between the characters, the tension between the Jewish and Arab musicians, and the political conflict in the background. Amidst turmoil and friction, Hagar's daughter finds her place in the orchestra, and each character seeks to find a sense of harmony in their personal lives while also preserving Israel's national identity and political positions.

The film's themes explore issues such as identity, prejudice, and what it means to be a minority in Israeli culture. Though it is a retelling of an ancient story, the movie remains topical in its exploration of contemporary issues. The music plays a vital role as it is used to express the characters' feelings and convey a sense of transcendence.

Besides highlighting the religious and historical aspects of the story, the movie brings a refreshing take on the classic story throughout the setting, as well as its characters. The film has a diverse cast and shows the positive effect of diverse communities working together. The relationship between Sarah and Hagar's daughter is an embodiment of this.

Harmonia, though it has a slower pace with a focus on character development, is undoubtedly an exceptional movie, depicting the complexity of the multi-ethnic community in Jerusalem. It is a treat for music enthusiasts, as the music serves as the undercurrent of the film. The orchestral music in the film varies from classical to ephemeral, perfectly and seamlessly fitting the film's mood.

In conclusion, Harmonia is a beautifully crafted film that resurrects a biblical tale in a contemporary setting. The film has an outstanding ensemble cast, featuring strong performances and a beautiful score. The film tackles current and sensitive issues such as family, identity, and politics while highlighting the importance of harmony and unity among individuals. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotional film with an artistic side.

Harmonia is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.