"It was a major dream come true at last. In many respects, Jerusalem is a very modern and important story about people in a period of transition, with all the unrest that permeates society on the eve of a new century. The big life issues are at stake"

Bille August's quote captures a profound sense of satisfaction and intricacy, tethered to the historic and contemporary significance of Jerusalem. The opening remark, "It was a significant dream become a reality at last", suggests a personal or cumulative aspiration understood. This might suggest a successful venture in storytelling, filmmaking, or perhaps an accomplishment in cultural or historic conservation related to Jerusalem-- a city bearing deep spiritual and historic meaning for multiple religions and cultures.

In describing Jerusalem as "a really modern and important story", August highlights its dynamic nature. This portrayal acknowledges Jerusalem not just as an antique of history but as a living, developing entity. The city's identity is not frozen in time; rather, it continuously shapes and is formed by the people who occupy and value it. The expression "people in a duration of transition" mean continuous modifications within society. These transitions might relate to political shifts, cultural developments, or technological improvements juxtaposed against the rich tapestry of Jerusalem's past.

The words "with all the discontent that penetrates society on the eve of a new century" indicate pervasive stress. Such unrest can occur from socio-political disputes, economic difficulties, or worldwide affiliations pushing upon local dynamics. The expression "on the eve of a new century" metaphorically highlights a turning point poised in between the past's lessons and the future's possibilities. It suggests hope, unpredictability, and the inevitable conflict with "big life problems."

These "huge life issues" might encompass existential themes such as identity, coexistence, faith, and the pursuit of peace and understanding-- central issues for humanity, made even more poignant in Jerusalem's context. Through August's lens, Jerusalem ends up being a microcosm reflecting more comprehensive human experiences, complexities, and goals. This point of view invites us to value both the city's special story and the axioms it might light up.