AllMovie

The tensions felt between Palestinians and Israelis forms the basis of this odd political drama that is based on a short story by Abraham Jehoshua. The tale centers on a history student, Noah, who becomes a forest ranger so he can have the quiet time he needs to complete his dissertation. He is stationed in the midst of a remote firetower in the center of a large forest where his only companions are a mute Arab and his daughter Nahida. When he learns that some of the Israeli-planted forest was placed upon the ruins of an Arab settlement destroyed in the last war, he becomes fixated with exploring the remains with his binoculars, wondering about the history and lives of those who once lived there. One night, he dreams that Indiana Jones comes to him and explains that history is but an illusion. Soon after, an enormous fire erupts, Abraham's phone line is cut, and he can do nothing, but rescue the girl. Later her father is arrested for arson even though there is no proof that he did it.