Ushpizin
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Movie Reviews of Ushpizin
Movie Review: Wonderful Film-But Don't Extrapolate Too Much From It
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is wonderful, I recommend it to anyone interested in traditional Judaism, but it is important to keep in mind that the film portrays a particular family and environment that is not necessarily typical of what is called "Haredi" or "Ultra-Orthodox" Judaism. The couple who are the center of focus are what are referred to in Israel
as "Hozrim b'teshuva", i.e. people who came from a non-religiously observant life and who have adopted a haredi religious life, in the style of the Breslov Hasidim. This group, unlike others, attracts a large number of people from non-religious backgrounds, and this is reflected in the manner of speech we hear in the film. Their conversations are filled with modern Israeli expressions and slang (I have lived in Israel for over 20 years, but I needed to have my children explain to me what a lot of the slang expressions meant!). We would not hear this from other Haredi Jews who were born and raised in this environment where effort is made to prevent the intrusion of the culture and mannerisms of the outside, "secular" world which the newly religious still have. Also, we see a lot of emphasis on the value of "simple faith", prayer and intense analysis of the day's events in the light of one's own personal performance of mitzvot or commission of sins, as opposed to viewing one's life as being being buffeted largely by outside pressures and events. Other streams of Haredi and non-Haredi Orthodox Judaism, such as the non-Hasidic "Lithuanian" yeshiva world, take a more intellectual approach to life in which great emphasis is laid on the study of the classic sources of Judaism, i.e. Bible, Talmud, Midrashim and Jewish philosophy. Similarly, the people involved in this film take a passive approach to life, whereas other religious, Orthodox Jews (i.e. the "Torani" Religious Zionist stream) have
taken a much more activist approach towards fulfilling the mitzvah of settling and developing the Land of Israel while maintaining just as intense a religious lifestyle as the people portrayed in the film.
Having said all this, the film is a masterpiece, both from the technical point of view (directing, camera work, lighting, acting) which shows that Israeli filmmakers can take their place with the best in the world, and also because the film refuses to make traditional Jews a caricature or stereotyped, which so many films do (I also recommend those who enjoyed this film to see the film "The Chosen" for a realisitic view of
Orthodox Judaism in New York around the time of the Second World War).
Movie Review: AUTHENTICITY NOT ANTHROPOLOGY
Summary: 5 Stars
'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.
Movie Review: "There's only God. And He has His reasons"
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Movie Review: An Orthodox Jewish Thriller??? Yes! USHPIZIN
Summary: 5 Stars
What a fascinating way to make a thriller (of sorts)! Take an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish couple trying to "live for God" in Old Jerusalem and then have them confronted with escaped convicts that serve to reveal the dark past of the husband's life.Throw in the Ultra religious community around them during a 7 day Holy Day Season,the intense pressure the wife feels for bearing a "manchild",lots of customs and lots of real suspicion and anger at God....and well....whoda thunk it??
USHPIZIN (Guests) is a marvelous character study concerning Moshe and Malli Bellanga, late converts to Ultra Orthodoxy in Jerusalem.They try to see everything as coming from "The Divine Hand" as they, like many in other religions,seek to obey the countless laws,rituals,ceremonies and Holy Days that are involved.They have no money,no children,no luck....and enters a former "blast from the past" into Moshe's life in the form of escaped convicts Eliyahu and Yossef.Are these two sent from God as "ushpizin" to be entertained so that Heavenly and Earthly rewards can be reaped by Moshe and Malli; or are these "guests" sent as a test sent to test their devotion to God?
USHPIZIN is an eye opening look at one couple's struggle to "live" their beliefs.This film is often humorous and at times egdily frightening.This film is perfect for anyone, religious or not, because it really has to do with one fact: even if we turn to God (or even turn over a new leaf) do we ever truly escape the past? Actors Shuli Rand as Moshe and Michal Bat-Sheva Rand as wife Malli are revelatory in their performances;sensitive,compassionate,explosive,childish...and extremely REAL.Director of photography Amit Yasur knows how to film the closeup,so important to this film's feel.It clocks in at a brisk 92 minutes and is in Hebrew with very readable and slow-staying subtitles.This film is pure delight!USHPIZIN was Israel's 2004 Film Best Picture.
Movie Review: Endearing
Summary: 5 Stars
I truly enjoyed this touching tale of Guests ("Ushpizin"), as Moshe Bellanga (Shuli Rand) and his wife Mali (Michal Bat-Sheva Rand) trust in God and their faith to bring them a miracle or two in time for Succah. During this autumn Harvest festival the Jewish people celebrate their redemption from bondage, 40 years of desert wandering and the fruits (real and spiritual alike) provided to them upon their settlement of the land of Israel.
Moshe is, as the story unfolds, a very religious man, envious of those who can afford to buy the perfect Etrog. This citron is a tree-born fruit with which religious Jews bless the harvest, joined with the Lulav --- a palm frond joined with small gatherings of willow and myrtle branches to represent the spine, eyes and heart --- which allow us to appreciate God's bounty.
And indeed a miracle arrives, which enables Moshe to celebrate Succah in style --- even though he has also unknowingly committed a sin in taking a Succah from another man, which a friend had falsely advised him to have been abandoned.
But along with the miracle comes a series of burdens, all of them surrounding the unwelcome arrival of a criminal former friend, whose past experiences with Moshe he is most anxious to hide from his wife and neighbors.
Moshe and Mali pray mostly for private miracles, which I think probably misrepresents the spirit of prayer offered by the vast majority of Orthodox Jews. It's doubtful that religious Israelis talk to God in the intimate and familiar manner of these two chief characters.
Nevertheless there is something astonishingly endearing about them, and the film is sure to warm hearts, even of those who are not Orthodox, not even Jewish and not particularly religious.
--Alyssa A. Lappen