Hofshat Kaits (2007)

Director:

David Volach

Writer:

David Volach (writer)

Release Date:

16 May 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A respected rabbi is forced to come to terms with the demands of his faith and the welfare of his own family.

Plot Keywords:

Israel | Faith | Drowning | Fundamentalism | Funeral

Awards:

3 wins & 4 nominations

US Showtimes:

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Cast

Nitsam Bar
Assi Dayan	...	Rabbi Abraham Eidelmann
Ilan Griff	...	Menahem Eidelmann
Sharon Hacohen	...	Esther Eidelmann (as Sharon Hacohen-Bar)
Michal Rubin

Also Known As:

My Father My Lord (International: English title) (festival title)

Runtime:

72 min | Israel:80 min | France:76 min

Country:

Israel

Language:

Hebrew

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Dead Sea, Israel

Company:

Cinema Project

Live Observed in Small Detail, With Worldwide Implications

This movie has to be understood in the context of the tension and conflict between modern and ultraorthodox Judaism, nowhere more sharply drawn than in Jerusalem, its setting. By implication, ultimately this is also the conflict between the West and Islam.

The movie is a critique of Haredi Judaism by one who fled the flock, writer and director David Volach. What sets the film apart is that its scathing indictment is so subtle and subdued, so balanced and circumspect. The story is gently and patiently told, its meaning embedded in biblical allusion, symbol and metaphor. There are no clear villains, no hypocrites or fools, no invective or bitterness. Thus the movie rises above diatribe or political tract to tragedy.

This is a life observed in small detail. The cumulative effect, however, is devastating. I only wish every fundamentalist in the world can be made to see it.