The Key

Only a few Jews live in the Israeli village of Pekiin. But although the different religious groups in Pekiin get along peacefully together, according to a guide, the Jews are involved in quarrels with one another. The guide shows a group of tourists round, thereby also introducing the story to the spectator. This revolves around an old woman and her neighbour, who are bickering about the key to a synagogue. The two rant and rave incessantly, in an endless repetition of moves. Heedless of the camera, which follows them through the narrow streets and visits them in their adjoining houses. Directors Dan and Noit Geva use this neighbourhood quarrel, as if under a magnifying glass, to show some general problems in Israel; not only the mutual discord due to the unpleasant urge to possess holy places, but also the abrupt solidarity when an outsider meddles in the situation.