The Little Traitor (2007)

39% of critics liked it
(23 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(1,537 ratings)

British Palestine, 1947: In just a few short months, Israel will achieve independent statehood. Proffy Liebowitz is a 12-year-old militant who wants nothing more than to see the imperialist forces pack their bags and head for the hills, but when Proffy breaks curfew one night he has an experience… More British Palestine, 1947: In just a few short months, Israel will achieve independent statehood. Proffy Liebowitz is a 12-year-old militant who wants nothing more than to see the imperialist forces pack their bags and head for the hills, but when Proffy breaks curfew one night he has an experience that will forever change his outlook on life. Busted while roaming the streets by an amiable British soldier, Proffy is taken aback to find himself entering into a friendly conversation with a man he would have once sworn off as his mortal enemy. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Lynn Roth
Written By: Lynn Roth
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Oct 16, 2009 Wide
Studio: Westchester Films

Critic Reviews

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
A minor drama about major events.
Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
Doesn't attempt much, doesn't accomplish much, doesn't offer much and doesn't leave you with anything memorable to take home with you.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Little Traitor bounces between coming-of-age high jinks and clunky geopolitical lessons.
Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
The dialogue and Roth's storytelling manner are heavy handed...
Tom Long, Detroit News
An interesting look at the transitory nature of enemies and the way history shifts alliances.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
All in all, a resonant theme, poorly played.
Alison Gang, San Diego Union-Tribune
It's easy to see how parents and teachers of school-aged kids could find "The Little Traitor" useful to begin an introductory conversation about tolerance and friendship. But the film's childish tone does little to enlighten the rest of us.
Jeff Meyers, Metro Times (Detroit, MI)
Treacly love-thy-enemy yarn in a historically remarkable place and time
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
The film slams to a halt every time Port opens his mouth and widens his gee-willikers peepers; since he's the titular traitor and is in virtually every scene, Roth's film never has much of a chance.
Nora Lee Mandel, Film-Forward.com
Poignant, child's view of the summer of 1947, just before the sun set on the Brit Empire in Jerusalem and everything changed, but does't catch the ruefulness of Oz's novel.
Pete Hammond, Boxoffice Magazine
Shooting on locations in Jerusalem, the film feels real and authentic with Roth getting the most out of the local atmosphere but itâ(TM)s her fine screenplay and keen eye for casting that makes The Little Traitor stand out from the pack.
Stephen Garrett, Time Out New York
Numbingly simplistic in concept and execution...

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

moon r

a little charmer of a coming-of-age piece about a jewish boy in british occupied palestine (soon to be israel ...soon to be israel / palestine ... soon to be ... oh hell, you already know!) before the 1948 liberation. great if your want to see jerusalem and indulge in a little… More
a little charmer of a coming-of-age piece about a jewish boy in british occupied palestine (soon to be israel ...soon to be israel / palestine ... soon to be ... oh hell, you already know!) before the 1948 liberation. great if your want to see jerusalem and indulge in a little cultural splurge.