Affectionate and gently humorous portrayal of Hasidic Judaism, a community rarely seen on screen.
Doubling as a fascinating look at a subculture that is normally sealed off from the rest of us and a gently amusing comedy of manners, this manages to say an awful lot by, paradoxically, saying it endearingly gently.
A Yiddish drama set in a Hasidic Jewish community unpicks patriarchal power politics with a powerful central turn from non-professional Menashe Lustig.
Whatever pickle he gets himself in, we can’t help but root for Menashe. We witness his humiliations in the presence of his peers but see many examples of his kindness and his attempts to do the best by his son.
He may not inspire confidence but his struggle to prove himself worthy of parental responsibilities is the backbone of a modest tale inspired by the lead actor’s own experiences.
A widower struggles to reclaim his child in this authentic and affectionate portrait of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community.
General release. Check local listings for show times.