Jeruzalem

One of the great things about travelling, is that you can learn so much history on many places of this world. Since i have been to 15 countries....so far, i try to check out some museums, and go on history tours when i can. I remember going on one tour especially in Edinburgh, Scotland. The history about Edinburgh is very cruel, and how people were tortured by the bubonic plague, is fascinating, and also disturbing. Witch hunting, and killing people in all kinds of ways, shows us a time, where laws were very different. Of course, every country, or city, have a history that have many details to tell. Glasgow, Dublin, London, Berlin, Prague, there are so many stories i could tell you of what i experienced, but let´s continue with the review instead. I was born a christian, but don´t really go to churches, or read the bible. I think we can make a choice, of how we want to live, and what we want to belive in. But i do know that Jerusalem have a very important history, when it comes to the bible. Every year, millions of people travel to Jerusalem, capital city of Israel, to see very famous locations, and hear stories from biblical scripture. There are many museums to visit, that have a lot to tell about the history of Jerusalem, and i am actually thinking about going here someday. From what i have heard, from people who have visited the city of Jerusalem, is that they love the city, the people, and so much to learn from the history of Israel. I remember seeing some very interesting restaurants on Travel Channel, as they did an episode on the food culture of Israel. Speaking of the bible, i think most people know that the book tell about God and Satan. So what if you get to experience evil in Jerusalem, right in front of your very own eyes ? Jeruzalem, a new found footage horror film, takes on this subject. I actually discovered this film while it was shown at the Fantasia International Film Festival, in july last year. The reviews were very varied, but i could not help to be curious about the concept of the film. Since very few of the found footage horror films are any good nowdays, is Jeruzalem finally a film that keeps the genre alive, or is it pretty much the same as the rest, with no surprises to deliver ?

Best friends Sarah ( Danielle Jadelyn ) and Rachel ( Yael Grobglas ) are travelling to Tel Aviv, to experience new things, meet people and learn a different culture. At the airplane they meet Kevin ( Yon Tumarkin ), who loves to travel worldwide. His plan is to go to Jerusalem, because he is very interested in history, and old scriptures. Rachel convince Sarah that they should change their travel plans, and go to Jerusalem first. Sarah eventually agree, even though she is skeptical. At the hostel they find, they meet Omar ( Tom Graziani ) who welcome them to Jerusalem, and promise to show them around town. Everything looks great, and all 3 of the tourists are having a great time. Until Kevin begin to act strange, as if he is changing his mind on Jerusalem. He seems to know that they are in danger, after a history tour in caves. Rachel is not worried though, she is ready to enjoy her time with Omar and Sarah. But what if Kevin is right, maybe everything is not what it seems ?

The so called found footage horror film is usually very basic, with pretty much the same concept as most releases. One of the few films in this genre, that actually managed to do something different, was a film called Afflicted. It is still one of the better releases in this genre, and if you have not seen it, you should run down and rent it at your local dvd store. Jeruzalem have some elements that you can recognize from Afflicted, it is a story about young people travelling to experiencing the world, and they love to party. The biggest difference between these films, is that Jeruzalem is more based on biblical influences. We do get to see some locations in Jerusalem, where historical places gives the film a realistic look. Of course, since we know this is just a fictional story, we know it will become more unrealistic, once the demons attack. Once you see the demons, they do look kind of creepy with their wings. So the film does manage to make you scared, in certain situations. Directors Doron Paz and Yoav Paz ( both brothers to each other ), have directed one feature film in the past, called Phobidilia. I have not seen the film, but i know that critics have praised the film. This second feature film of them, is perhaps not original in any way. But from an horror perspective, i feel that the concept works pretty good. The camera work is intensive, and the location in Jerusalem is a good location, with mystical dark buildings. One nice detail, is that you are supposed to be following a new camera method, used by wearing digital glasses. So the whole film is basically seen from these special designed camera glasses, where it also scan people, finding their Facebook profiles, and you can also use it as an gps. You get the sense that there is an evil presence over the city. Especially when the demons begin to emerge, things really take a different turn. While watching Jeruzalem, i could feel that we have influences from the spanish horror film Rec here. And that is a good thing, because in found footage horror films, you need to make it instensive eventually, instead of just relying on a few creepy scenes. The acting from lead actors Danielle Jadelyn and Yael Grobglas are fine, but the most interesting character in Jeruzalem is the crazy man known as King David ( Itsko Yampulski ). You will see what i mean, when you hear his story at the mental institution. Jeruzalem may not be original in any way, but from the found footage genre, Jeruzalem manage to deliver at least a good time. Besides, how can you go wrong with demons in a city full of religious people ? A good advice people, next time you go to Jerusalem, make sure you have plenty of Ron De Jeremy Rum, a bag of weapons, and Åsa Romson by your side. This way you know the party will never end.

Rating: DDD