When many people think of Israel, it is often in terms of modern war or ancient religion. But there is much more to the Jewish state than missiles and prayers. In his debut as a documentary filmmaker, adult-film entrepreneur and political columnist Michael Lucas examines a side of Israel that is too often overlooked: it's thriving gay community. Undressing Israel features interviews with a diverse range of local men, including a gay member of Israel's parliament, a trainer who served openly in the army, a young Arab-Israeli journalist, and a pair of dads raising their kids. Lucas also visits Tel Aviv's vibrant nightlife scene-and even attends a same-sex wedding-in this guided tour of a country that has emerged as a pioneer for gay integration and equality.
G**R
More Here Than One Might Expect
Viewers may expect one thing if they are GLBT and another if they are not. The director Lucas ,a person famous in the world of adult video, has made a leap into another venue and may well surprise some viewers from all sides on how engrossing this documentary actually is . Think you know what Israel is like. You may be wrong . At least his perspective as a Jewish immigrant from Russia, to France and eventually to the U.S. was revealing to this Humanist of no specific denomination . How amazingly sophisticated ,and lush parts of this nation are. He argues for it being a vacation destination and convinced this elderly man he is correct. Forget the freedoms GLBT experience in Israel ( they are amazing not only in this part of the world surrounded by non- democracies but in many other lands) ,and realize the opportunities for a great holiday whatever your orientation. Get this video and you may be planning a trip as well as expanding your knowledge of a land many of us think we know so much about and may not. Go for it!
L**N
The world's first gay Israeli infomercial!
and it's not necessarily a bad thing. Producer Lucas stated that the film's purpose was to encourage gay men to visit Tel Aviv. It still didn't put Israel on my bucket list. But, Israel definitely has reason to be proud of it's progressive attitudes and laws towards the LGBQT community. The last 20 minutes featured Lucas answering various questions and criticisms.
C**S
Good information presented here
Good information presented here. I was in Israel decades ago, and wow! what a difference a few decades can make. I believe one of the goals of the filmmaker is to educate viewers regarding the status of human rights, particularly gay rights, in Israel. Mission accomplished...mostly. However, where is the opposing view(s)? I find it difficult to believe that in this somewhat theocratic state, there is not opposition or even enlightened debate regarding the passel of gay rights touted in this film. Moreover, it is very distressing that Israel continues to deny human rights to their neighbors (the Palestinians), who deserve a homeland also. This film is encouraging, but the larger, more urgent matter seems to be the matter of coexistence, Until that issue makes progress, all other human rights issues, though vital, will be bittersweet and short lived.
T**Y
Who knew?
If only all of the middle east could be anywhere near as open and progressive as Israel. It was funny, though, that there seemed to be more footage of the guy who made the movie than anyone or anything else in it.
C**C
undressed for success
coming from a pornographer, and that's pretty much what he would call himself, there was precious little undressing in this docudrama, mostly how Israel more pro gay than its neighbors and Israelis more like us than not. It was political in a nonthreatening way, like when the Oxford Debating Union invited Michael Lucas to speak, you kind of know what you're getting but in this case, less seemed a little bit less, at least it did to me.
M**I
Interesting not enough content.
Interesting, but too short. Would have also been interesting to have comments from the non-gay public. Impressive tho how advanced they are. And why they had to use a well known porn star/actor, to be the interviewer I don't know. Not much journalistic views. I thought it was a bit self indulgent when it came to him. Trying to come across as a serious film maker with journalistic intent. From that aspect it falls a bit flat. His lack of experience shows.
T**Y
Interesting view of the lives of gay men in Israel ...
Interesting view of the lives of gay men in Israel by a pornography director. Could definitely be seen as being part of the process of rebranding a nation.
P**B
Irish Catholic New Yorker here.
I've only seen 3 Israeli movies featuring queers. I'd love to check out Israel.
R**N
Five Stars
we love that good film for israel ! :)
J**R
wrong region
its for the wrong region I want to send it back
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