JIFF – Legend of Destruction

The Land of Israel is under Roman rule. Social inequality, corruption and injustice are rampant. The masses are crushed by imposing taxes, while the aristocracy lives a life of unimaginable wealth. Polarised Jerusalem is a powder keg about to explode; cries for freedom and equality in the name of God are prevalent. Secret groups of Zealots roam the streets, causing havoc and hatred, and when rebellion against the Roman oppressors breaks out, it swiftly escalates into a full-blown civil war. A devastating famine, fuelled by a quest for justice and revenge, cripples the city. When the Roman legions eventually unleash their wrath on emaciated Jerusalem, disaster is inevitable.

Winner of four Israeli Oscars and nine years in the making, the stunning visuals come courtesy of David Polonsky and Michael Faust – the artists behind Waltz with Bashir – who contributed 1,500 original paintings for the film. An all star cast including Elliot Gould, Oscar Isaac, Evangeline Lilly and Billy Zane star in this timely retelling, which has stark contemporary resonance.

“Vivid and hauntingly beautiful” – The Jerusalem Post