The Attack is one of those films that restores your faith in movies as an art form, answering in the affirmative the question “does anyone know how to really make a movie anymore?” Apparently Ziad Doueiri does. It is a great film from start to finish, in every way. Along with To The Wonder, it currently sits atop my list for the best film of the year, so far.

The Attack has many outstanding qualities, but foremost among them is the way it manages to portray, with perfectly even empathy, so many conflicting points of view on the Israeli-Palestinian situation, and do so with admirable economy and without ever lecturing its audience. What makes this even more impressive is that it simultaneously manages to create a complete spectrum of compelling and sympathetic supporting characters, all of whom you bond with instantly, which brings a remarkable human quality to every aspect of the story. This is not a preachy movie; it’s a surprisingly low-key, character-driven drama that gradually overwhelms you with the depth and significance of its message. Every aspect of the screenplay is first-rate, and very impressive.

The direction and production of the film is just as fine as the writing. The casting and performances are absolutely outstanding across the board. The movie is shot beautifully, and honestly put me in mind of the best of Costa-Gavras at many times while I was watching. The pacing of the film is also very strong, and the use of its excellent score in conjunction with the pacing was lovely, reminding me of similar (amazingly effective) technique found in Tell No One. There are many fantastic scenes in this film, especially in its last third, but never do any of these scenes jump out to overwhelm their surroundings or the film overall. Ziad Doueiri’s direction is disciplined and focused right to the end, and yet it is also imaginative, bold, even romantic. He weaves a complex tapestry of political and moralistic concepts with aplomb. Professional critics love to casually toss around accolades for very average directors who come in vogue for whatever reason – people like Noah Baumbach, Lars von Trier, Kathryn Bigelow, the Coen brothers. When was the last time any of them made a film that was crafted half as beautifully as The Attack? Never, that’s when.

My wife and I discussed The Attack in rapt admiration for a long while after seeing it. It’s one hell of a movie, one that stays with you in lots of different ways – from the depth of its theme and ideas, to its memorable atmosphere, to its beautiful and haunting series of concluding scenes. I very highly recommend it.