CRITICS’PICKS

“The Band’s Visit,” the Israeli film that’s become celebrated for what it lacks -- enough Hebrew to contend for the best foreign language picture Oscar -- can now be seen and appreciated for what it has in abundance: visual wit, verbal charm and a droll sense of humor. This story of an Egyptian band’s visit to Israel is simultaneously sweet-natured and sharply pointed, a film whose poignant emotional effects and subtle acting sneak up on you. The first feature for writer-director Eran Kolirin, “The Band’s Visit” took the Israeli equivalent of the best picture Oscar and likely would have won the real Oscar too. But that, as they say, is show business.