Giraffada (2014)
Yacine is the veterinarian of the only zoo remaining in the Palestinian West Bank. He lives alone with his 10-year old son, Ziad. The kid has a special bond with the two giraffes in the zoo. He seems to be the only one to communicate with them. After an air raid in the region the male giraffe dies. His mate, Rita, won’t survive unless the veterinarian finds her a new companion. The only zoo that might provide this animal is located in Tel Aviv ...
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Excellent adaptation.
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.
This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.
In a scrappy, plucky West Bank zoo a lone veterinarian and his 10 year old son care for the animals as best they are able. The boy has a special fondness for giraffes. When the noise and chaos from an Israeli airstrike kills one of the giraffes its mate, Rita, goes on a hunger strike. Like some people, giraffes cannot live alone. Only another giraffe companion will help Rita, yet when it is difficult to cross a checkpoint with so much as a tote bag, the possibility of smuggling a giraffe across the border appears to be slim to none. The film is inspired by a real story. It is a compelling story with interesting quotes and a parallel romance. The film never quite fires on all cylinders however, especially towards the end. The romance could have been better for sure. Seen at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.