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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Exodus on DVD
This 1960 movie, based on the best-selling novel by Leon Uris, was nominated for 3 Academy Awards® and won for the Best Score by Ernest Gold with its haunting and searing theme song. The story, about the struggle for and subsequent United Nations vote to establish the state of Israel, is filled with drama, excitement and the beautiful scenery of Israel and Cyprus.
After World War II, Jews from all over Europe attempted to settle in Palestine, which was then controlled by the British who decided to stop the migration by setting up detention camps in Cyprus. Through an ingenious plan and a lot of sacrifice on everyone's part, Ari Ben Canaan (Paul Newman) - a member of the underground movement - helped a freighter filled with 600 detainees successfully beat the blockade and make the trip to Palestine.
From there the story follows the lives of several of the settlers as they attempt to create a Jewish homeland and a peaceful existence. The film also shows the different Jewish factions, the Hagannah and the Irgun, as they both work for the formation of Israel through hard work, strength and commitment, even though they are met with hostility and force.
Eva Marie Saint also stars as a non-Jewish woman who joins the cause. Lee J. Cobb plays Newman's father, Sal Mineo plays an immigrant who will do anything to help his new country, and John Derek plays Taha, an Arab friend who does not want violence and believes the Arabs and Jews can live together in peace.
This epic movie runs 3 Hours 28 Minutes. It's a fictional story based on facts. If you haven't seen this film in a long time, or have never seen it, it is a beautiful story and an important historical adaptation and is now available on DVD.
© 2002 Francine Brokaw
All pictures are ©2001 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All rights reserved.
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