Jewish movies. What comes to your mind when you hear that word? You probably think of religion, synagogues, Hebrew scriptures, but in reality the Jewish people are much more than that.
Jewish society is fascinating and enigmatic. Its history, tradition and culture are the pillars that have helped it stay united in the face of adversity. Why don’t you immerse yourself for a few minutes in Jewish customs, and even in their fears and sufferings? If you dare, here I bring you a selection with 7 Jewish films that, in addition to being entertaining and interesting, will bring you a little closer to the true spirit of that great town.
Chosen from the Ghetto (1981)
A love of sports unites two young Jewish residents of Brooklyn (Danny Saunders and Reuven Malter). Despite the great friendship that arises between the two, their families belong to completely different Judaic currents, having to suffer the opposition of many of their loved ones and especially Rabbi Reb Saunders (Danny’s father). It is one of the Jewish films that best made me understand the great differences that can exist between individuals of the same religious belief. And here it is good to make a parenthesis to explain a couple of things.
In this film the protagonists belong to two almost opposite Judaic currents: Hasidism and Liberal Judaism. When I learned about the point of view of the Hasidic Jews, the way the collective cares for each individual seemed wonderful to me, but… If we look at the dark side, we see a subculture much more closed (hermetically closed, in fact) than conventional Judaism. With this in mind, the film will show you how complex a culture as seemingly compact as the Jewish can be. You will surely like it.
Motti Wolkenbruch wakes up(2018)
Swiss comedy that in the style of Woodie Allen (the influence is very notorious), tells the story of Motti, a university student trying to find a partner. So far everything is normal, but our young hero is the son of a couple of Orthodox Jews, who will not look favorably on their “little” marrying a shiksa (non-Jewish woman). After introducing him to Jewish girls one after the other, Motti falls in love with a classmate who is not Jewish or religious at all.
Excellent Jewish film, as a curiosity, during one of his rebellious outbursts, Motti shaves his beard and goes to a non-Jewish eye doctor (something that is not allowed) who prescribes him glasses similar to Woodie Allen’s legendary glasses. In short, a light comedy, with a protagonist who manages to get into the viewer’s pocket, and who in 90 minutes is quite charming and entertaining.
The women’s balcony (2016)
This comedy is truly Israeli, and it follows a slightly feminist line, although it can be said that Ben-Shimon achieves his goal only halfway, precisely because he is a bit timid in his denunciation. Of all the Jewish films that I saw to make this selection, this was the one that was the most difficult for me to understand. Summary: quite Jewish humour, I think. I have the impression that a Jew is watching this movie and his jaw will not have a break from laughing so much. But it’s like Japanese jokes, if you’re not Japanese, they have to give you a special course.
All in all, at the plot and plot level it goes well, and its hour and a half duration is most enjoyable. Of course, being a truly Israeli film, the vision it offers is closer to the average Jew, which makes it a bit more interesting. I recommend it.
The Story of Anne Frank (2001)
Strictly speaking, it’s not a Jewish movie, but a miniseries. However, its 189 minutes long you can easily see them in one sitting (with their respective popcorn and soda). The story is set during World War II, and inspired by real events. Although the film is not entirely faithful to the book from which it was adapted, I found it pleasant, with a very well-spun plot and really moving.
Visa to Paradise (2010)
A good documentary film that revolves around the deeds of the Mexican politician and diplomat Gilberto Bosques SaldÃvar. Between 1939 and 1942, as Mexican consul in Spain, Saldivar saved the lives of more than 30,000 political persecuted by the fascist regime in Spain, among them many Jews, who received protection, passports, and Mexican visas. Its 108-minute duration goes by quickly, and for a documentary it is not heavy to watch, being able to learn a little more about the diaspora of the Jewish people and about this great Mexican.
Kadosh (1999)
Two Jewish husbands, Meir and Rivka, who for ten years of marriage have not been able to procreate children, are forced to separate. The reason: since they were married under the laws of ultra-orthodox Judaism, if the wife is unable to bear children to her husband, she must be disowned by him. It is an extraordinary film, with a fairly emotionally intense plot that leaves no loose ends. The end seemed to me… I better let you see it yourself (or yourself) and draw conclusions.
Menashe (2017)
A very interesting drama. It narrates the skills of a forty-year-old father, to maintain custody of his youngest son after the death of his wife. According to Hasidic laws, no single man can be responsible for raising a child. Our protagonist refuses to marry again, so he will have to face the child’s maternal family and half the community to prove that he can cope with the situation.
Already with this small selection of Jewish films you have to spend a few hours entertaining yourself with good cinema and at the same time cultivating your knowledge of this vast world that surrounds us. I sincerely hope that if you haven’t seen them yet, you will see them soon and they are to your liking, and if you already saw them, why not see them again? Come on, cheer up! The magic of the cinema awaits you.
