Genre: TV Series
Grade: A-
Notable People: Michael Alona, Irit Kaplan, Swell Ariel Or, Hila Saada, Tom Hagi, Created by Oded Davidoff
Title: The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem
Review: Based on the best-selling Israeli novel by Sarit Levy, Yes dram, as Israeli production company, produced this as daily show with 44 episodes in the first two seasons. Netflix adapted it into on long season of 20 lengthier episodes. The series tells the captivating story of the Armoza family, intertwined with the history of Palestine during Ottoman rule and the British colonial empire It explores the family’s fortunes during the subsequent periods of depression and war. The series takes place simultaneously on two timelines wherein present and past stories are presented alternately (from 1919 thru 1942- encapsulating the role of both world Wars). Beautifully filmed, with intense dialog and action, the show dramatizes a very complex family living in very complex times and is wonderfully historical. Kaplan shines as the detestable “Bubby” and the cast is generally dead on. It won’t make you fond of the British rule. I found this show to get better and better as it progressed. As second season is in the works in Israel to pick up in the post war 1940’s and into the founding of the Jewish state.