Ushpizin
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Movie Reviews of Ushpizin
Movie Review: "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" (Psalm 8:4)
Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent movie! From the perspective of a follower of Yeshua (Jesus), this is a very good story about the heart of God: mercy (Hosea 6:6) and blessing those who have a broken and contrite heart before Him (Psalm 51:17). Their story also reminds me of what Yeshua said in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [things needed for earthly living] will be added to you." Also, "...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). AND you can't forget what Rabbi Shaul (apostle Paul) said, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2). Lastly, Moshe was a man who lived a sinful life but chose to forsake that life and now live under the covering of the Lord's commandments--a demonstration of one who surrenders His life and heart to the Lord.
I also loved how Mali continually referred to God as "Father," a title she calls God because it shows the intimate connection she has with Him as her Abba!
A recommend for all people!
Happy Sukkot for 5770/2009!! The Messiah is returning soon! I can't wait until Revelation 21 is fulfilled when Sukkot is finally, completely fulfilled--when God dwells with His people forever! Also, this is the TRUE season of Yeshua's birth; so it's okay to sing "O Holy Night" right now!
Movie Review: Accurate and very enjoyable portrayal of contemporary Chasidic life in Israel
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Movie Review: A window into a closed society
Summary: 5 Stars
Ushpizin opens wide a window into today's Orthodox Jerusalem society that has kept its thousands-years traditions. The tenderness of the love between the childless husband and wife is contrasted by the harshness of the rules by which they live--but fully embrace. Their celebration of the week of Succot is rich with content. Beyond the obvious rituals of eating in the temporary branch-covered hut to commemorate Exodus, they search to host those who do not have such a hut and to share all they have. With hearts full of love and devotion the couple welcomes a pair of escaped prisoners into their home, their Succot hut, and their life.
It is only our outside eye, stripped of this couple's devout adherence to religious dictates, that we see the other side of things--their naivete, their religious fervor that clouds their judgment of reality. We fear for them when their guests begin to abuse them, yet cheer the strength of their faith.
Beautifully done.
Talia Carner,
Jerusalem Maiden - Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award entry
Movie Review: Accurate, beautiful, heartfelt little film
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful movie! It's the first I've seen to NOT depict religious Jewish life in either a hopelessly negative or just a hopelessly inaccurate way.
Though I had heard it was good, I was still half-braced for something as terrible as Kadosh... but a few minutes into the film, I knew I could relax.
The religious characters are seen neither as saintly nor sinister - just characters, some good, some not so good, going about their lives. And the non-religious characters, too, are depicted with nuance and intelligence. Despite some obvious clashes between the two cultures, the non-religious Israelis who turn up are not caricatures, but fully-fleshed individuals.
This would be a great movie even for a general audience who has some knowledge of Jewish ritual or is willing to sit back and absorb it all for a couple of hours. For all its trappings, it's not a Jewish story at all... it's a human one, filled with themes we can all relate to.
Shuli Rand, Kol haKavod (way to go)!
Movie Review: Outstanding, Riveting Film
Summary: 5 Stars
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.