This has the
apparent distinction of being the first feature made in Israel’s extreme
Orthodox (Hasidic) community. In one sense, this semi-comic tale’s no more
about Hasidic Jews than The Legend of Zorro is “about” 1850s
Californians. However, the unfamiliarity of the setting will make it a primer
on this culture for most viewers. The actual (mostly true) story is about a
holiday that brings a poor Hasidic couple both a seemingly miraculous gift and
some ex-convict houseguests who test their faith. [The Q&A with director
Giddi Dar after the screening I saw was as interesting as the film. Star Shuli
Rand, who also wrote the script, had been a well-known actor who’d retired upon
becoming Ultra-Orthodox and only agreed to act again because the story could be
filmed where he lived using community members as the cast, and his actual wife
playing that role in the movie. As the essence of the story is universal, it
became a big hit in Israel with both secular and religious audiences, with the
Hasidim resorting to bootleg DVDs, since they would not go to ordinary,
non-sex-segregated theaters.]
circulated via email 11/3/05 and posted 10/18/13
No comments:
Post a Comment