Hummus! the Movie

Hummus! the Movie from 2015 is a delightful and unexpected appetizer hailing from the corners of the Israel's Middle-Eastern culinary world. The movie is an intriguing exploration of food as a cultural symbol, a tie that binds, and the lush tapestry of the human experience couched in the simplicity of a humble dish – hummus. Directed by Oren Rosenfeld, this sumptuous, sonically vivacious, and visually enchanting documentary starring Suhela Alhindi, Jalil Dabit, Eliyahu Shmueli, takes viewers on an intriguing journey of gastronomy, culture, religion, and the spirited rivalry centered around this universally loved Middle-Eastern staple.

The film is a cinematic quick-witted and compelling melt-in-your-mouth guide that reveals the multifaceted sides of hummus and the people whose lives are intertwined with it. It explores the historical, cultural, and political implications of hummus, while also focusing on the personal experiences of the diverse cast of engaging, hummus-obsessed characters.

Suhela Alhindi plays a hummus-loving individual who runs a small yet fully-functional hummus restaurant in a village in southern Israel. Her hummus is not just a commercial venture but also a symbol of cooperation and unity. Drawing customers from different social and religious strata, her humble joint becomes an unsuspected locus of peace and harmony.

Contrasting Suhela’s solace, there is Jalil Dabit from Ramla, a Christian Arab. He is the co-owner of a hummus restaurant inherited from his father. The movie elaborately captures his journey of rebranding and envisioning a modern iteration of the traditional hummus joint to accommodate the evolving taste of the new generation.

The religious dimension of hummus is embodied by Eliyahu Shmueli - a quirky, ex-hippy turned hummus monk who is unquestionably devoted to it. His spiritual journey gets beautifully intertwined with his love for the savoury paste, transforming his life and those around him, giving the film its philosophical flavor.

Focusing on these three central characters, Hummus! the Movie presents a mouth-watering, visual feast that reflects rich cultural traditions, ethnic diversity, and the sheer joy of sharing food. The movie goes beyond showcasing recipes and preparation methods - it dives deep to explore the communal table where the eclectic mix of Jews, Muslims, and Christians all partake in the humble dip. There are no geographic, religious, or political lines drawn on this unifying culinary landscape, challenging viewers' preconceived notions of the Middle-Eastern conflict.

Rosenfeld's ability to blend humour with serious cultural conversation makes Hummus! the Movie a satisfying watch. Header Lutz's cinematography captures the simple elegance of the food and the locales with radiant warmth while the soundtrack, a harmonious blend of original and popular Arabic and Israeli tunes, accompanies viewers throughout the journey.

Hummus! the Movie elicits the emotion and passion embedded in every morsel of this thick, savoury spread enjoyed worldwide, and serves it delightfully through stories of love, tradition, and the common bond that humans share through food. Apart from the seductive shots of hummus being prepared in numerous ways, there are personal narratives, anecdotes, and interviews lifted and stirred into a savory mix of history, politics, and gastronomy.

Touching, relatable, and entertaining in equal measures, the film celebrates hummus as it examines its power from binding conflicting communities to igniting worldwide hummus wars. It investigates the origin, explores the shared history, demystifies myths, reveals secret recipes, yet makers firmly state that the film is not about finding the best hummus, but about revealing the heart and soul behind the delightful dish.

In conclusion, Hummus! the Movie is a tastefully concocted cinematic dish that serves both as a delightful, colourful journey through different cultures and a contemplative dive into the complexities of human connections. Rosenfeld's documentary is flavoured with humour, passion, and spirit, making it a relishable watch to various taste buds. It is an engaging story that savours food as a tableau of life, transcending borders and conflicts - and as a reminder that the simplest fare often holds the most significant value.