 "There's only God. And He has His reasons" |
| Review Date: April 27, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Alejandra Vernon, Long Beach, California |
Few films have touched me as deeply as "Ushpizin," the story of Moshe and Mali Bellanga, their trusting in miracles, and their recognition of the tests God has placed in their path. They sometimes fail the tests, but they are always aware that God is in their midst, and they listen for His voice. The fervor of Moshe and Mali's prayers bring about a miracle, and also a great challenge, in the form of a friend of Moshe's "from the old days," and his companion, both escaped convicts. The plot takes place during the 7 day Harvest Festival of Succoth, and some of it is quite humorous, but every scene is imbued with an insight into humanity, and man's connection to his Creator.
Writer Shuli Rand stars as Moshe, with his real-life wife, Michal Bat-Sheva Rand as Mali; both are superb, with an intensity and truth in their characters that makes them totally believable, and an inner and outer beauty that captivates. Shot on location in the Mea Sherim quarter in Jerusalem, director Giddi Dar gives us marvelous details and performances from the actors in every scene. Shaul Mizrahi and Ilan Ganani are terrific as the 2 convicts, and so is Avraham Abutboul as Ben Baruch, the man who means well, but causes trouble, and won't leave until he is forgiven with a hug. The theme of forgiveness and repentance runs through the film, as well as God's great mercy.
Though this film will perhaps have a limited audience, those who will love it are anyone with familiarity and respect for Orthodox Judaism, and anyone who has a very personal relationship with his God. There are those who think the Orthodox Jew who speaks to God as though He is their most precious friend is a little "odd," and then there are those who speed down the freeway like a lemming with a cellphone stuck in their ear, and think they are "normal." Well, it takes all kinds to populate this crazy planet, and may the Moshes and Malis of the world prosper and bear much fruit.
|
Accurate and very enjoyable portrayal of contemporary Chasidic life in Israel
|
| Review Date: January 20, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Simcha F. Udwin, |
Ushpizin is a warm and touching film about a childless, kind and poor Chasidic couple who live in Me'ah Shearim, the most ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in the world on the outskirts of the Old City in Jerusalem, and their enormous faith in and love for God. Moshe studies in yeshiva all day, and Mali tries to make ends meet as an at-home businesswoman. It's just before the Jewish festival of Sukkot, and Moshe and Mali are down on their luck. Their prayers are answered when an unexpected gift of money arrives on their doorstep from the communal fund; they are overjoyed that they can now have guests for the festival. They pray again for guests, and when two prison escapees and friends from Moshe's criminal past arrive, their prayers for much more than guests are unexpectedly answered.
There are many films portraying ultra-Orthodox Jewish life, but to those familiar with that life from an insider's perspective, many of them are inauthentic. This film stands out as a wonderful exception in that small genre. It is such an authentic portrayal of Chasidic life and values that I believe many Chasidim, who normally would never watch films, might eventually watch it and be happy to consciously gain from its beautifully and often humorously delivered messages of the power of love, acceptance, trust in God and sincerity. |
AUTHENTICITY NOT ANTHROPOLOGY
|
| Review Date: March 16, 2006 |
| Reviewer: A fan, London UK |
'Ushpizin' has received much well-deserved praise. Attention - however - has tended to concentrate on its 'folkishness' - you know, insights into the previously 'hidden' world of the ultra-orthodox Jews of Jerusalem, kinship to Singer-esque fables etc. Yet, there are a couple of aspects that seem to have been overlooked:
1. The performance of the main charcacter - SHULI RAND - is utterly rivetting. I mean, look at the guy's EYES (they certainly compelled my attention throughout).
2. The film's underlying POINT OF VIEW: a person is obliged to acknowledge G-d for EVERYTHING that comes their way, good or bad, REGARDLESS. And that such acknowledgement is not some sort of distant IDEA but is effectively an ongoing DIALOG with G-d - a dialog in which the individual is neither too proud, nor too embarassed, nor too sophisticated to address G-d in the most personal way. You may think that this has a resemblance to Tevye's outpourings in "Fiddler On The Roof" (think: "If I were a rich man" etc). This resemblance is but superficial. Shuli Rand (the lead actor and scriptwriter of 'Ushpizin') here manages to convey the very essence of his mindset with power, conviction and dignity. He successfully opposes both the demons of his past and his proclivity to ANGER (seen in the Jewish tradition as tantamount to idol-worship) - both potential obstacles to a dialog with G-d.
It is also interesting to contrast this film with another 'expose' of orthodox Jewish life - 'KADDOSH', by noted director Amos Gitai. Gitai's film, while impressive, seems to go in search of the flaws and contradictions of the orthodox Jewish life-style. His is essentially a sceptical and - I feel - politicised view. Gitai puts the viewer into a position where they are forced to EVALUATE or JUDGE this life-style. 'Ushpizin' on the other hand avoids this by concentrating on the underlying motivation that drives a certain kind of Jewish orthodoxy: acknowledgment of the Hand of G-d in all things.
'Ushpizin' is not without it's flaws (what film isn't?). For instance, the way events unfold sometimes makes the script seem a little clunky or theatrical. Also, mixing fable with hard reality is sometimes a little hard to take. But, the power of the film's main theme elevates it and enables it to transcend such considerations. Bravo. |
A Peek into the Chareidi World
|
| Review Date: July 19, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Susanna King, South Bend, IN |
| This wonderful DVD gives a look into the heart and soul of the usually closed world of the ultra-Orthodox Jew. It is a poignant story on many levels, depicting the honest love between an husband and wife, the sometime burden of "ahavas Yisrael" and the struggle of a man to find his path to his G-d. The authenticity of time and place ( the celebration of Succos in Mea Shearim - an ultra-Orthodox section of the Holy City of Jerusalem ) is profound and the characters' portrayals of faithfulness, joy, sorrow, confusion, belief and disbelief are so true and to-the-mark that the viewer soon forgets that these are actors in a film. The entire spectrum of a man's struggle to find his true relationship to G-d is given depth and heart in this excellent film. |
Outstanding, Riveting Film
|
| Review Date: April 17, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Beth Fox, Los Angeles, CA USA |
Ushpizin is a remarkable film about a truly religious, childless couple who are barely eking out a living in Jerusalem. On the Eve of Succot, two escaped prisoners arrive, and the couple's patience -- and faith -- are sorely tried. Each day, each event, appears to be another test given by G-d. Ultimately, we learn that it is important to bless G-d for all that comes to us, whether it seems on the surface to be good or bad.
Shuli Rand's performance is riveting. Michal Rand, who is not a professional actress, turns in an amazingly fine performance. Becuase these two really are husband and wife, the love between them comes through as genuine. There are other things to like about this movie: Orthodox Jewish life is portrayed fairly and accurately (for once!) The English subtitles are well-done and accurate.
This film is important, not just for Jews, but for all humanity. Whether or not you are in your own crisis right now, the story is riveting and the themes are universal. This film is outstanding. |
|
No details are available for this product
No video reviews found for this product.
