The Little Traitor (2007)

I do not understand how this movie has the same score as "Politiki Kouzina" and "Vitus" which both have children acting the lead role!? You cannot even compare the quality of acting, directing, script, ANYTHING!I'm sure that it is terribly difficult to find children that can act, but the little boy playing Profi, has such a flat, expressionless tone, voice and face that it was impossible to believe he feels anything for Sargeant Dunlop. Since all the story revolves around this young boy, make it worth it!The plot is so fast that no scenes are given enough time to develop. Since this story is based on a book, I'm sure there was plenty of material to work with! But i do not know where it all went!?When the hell did did they become friends, and have enough time to develop such a strong bond that Dunlop would turn up for such an "emotional" reunion 30 years later! For goodness sake! The evolution of a real friendship, which is the central concept (combined with a few historical references) is much harder than what is shown. Sorry to say but this is such a shallow movie. Poor Alfred Molina is wasted really because the script is just so poor.I understand that this is a patriotic Israelian movie but the worst thing is that it is also trying SO hard to be a "deep" movie. NO NO NO!!! There have been so many movies about the plight of the Jews, that it is a difficult subject to tackle, especially after masterpieces like "La Vita e Bella" where every single moment is breathtaking. Incidentally the movie has the same score as American Pie. I understand that...its of the same depth. But with American Pie we were laughing WITH the actors and not AT their acting abilities.

The original Title "Panther in the Basement" was a better title - IMHO. The big issue, is the FACT that there has NEVER been a Country named Palestine. This term was once used by a Roman General, a derogatory description of the people circa 200 BC. Around 1947, an Arab used the term Palestinian at the U.N. to describe the people that where living in tents in the South of Israel.There has NEVER been a single map, before 1948, that has ever displayed a single place with that name and to this day, the only maps that do NOT name the Country as Israel are found in the Middle east. In conclusion, this story has become a propaganda piece, trying once again to replace the actual name of the Country.

This is a typical case of a good history with a bad narrative.The movie ought to be good, the context is very interesting, Alfred Molina is a good actor, the plot is good. But there's a lot missing.The director created such a simple and superficial narrative, you won't see good cinematography, nor a good acting apart from Molina.Maybe this is a movie made for children or people who are searching for, as we say in Brazil, "water and sugar" entertainment movie, then, you might like it.I am very sorry, but with all do respect, for sure this is not like watching a Truffaut movie... People should see more Truffaut movies before comparing this movie with the movies from Nouvelle Vague's most important director.I will dare to make a comparison so you can understand what I am trying to say: La vita è bella (1997) from R. Benigni, is a movie which can be seen by children and adults, and is a 10 out of 10 movie, with a perfect and original narrative, and a beautiful history.But if you are looking for a soft-easy to watch-rainy-Sunday-kids-movie go for it.5 out of 10

This story was told beautifully. it is like watching a truffaut film. It is one of those films that allow you to experience a moment in time. It is told simply and clearly with a wonderful performance by Alfred Molina. the young boys are at the same time earnest in their beliefs and headstrong in their rebellious strategy. The setting of Israel 1948 is very authentic and very aptly captures a time past. Seeing Jews, Arabs, Christians coexisting in daily life is a rarely seen way of life. It is important to see that this did and can exist. This aspect of the struggles prior to the formation of the state of Israel is very interesting and relevant , especially now. The Little Traitor captures both the energy and the sensitivity of the time. I think it is a movie that will appeal to a cross section of ages and backgrounds. I think that it is a rare film that can be enjoyed by a family together and will teach about history, hope and humanity.