Ushpizin

[Yeha-Noha]

No spoilers here, but this movie is a rather humorous story about a Haredi couple during their observance of the religious festival of Sukkot in Israel and the trials they went through. Probably meant to be in Meah Shearim, but for obvious reasons no filming would be permitted there by the Haredim in Jerusalem.

Even if you aren't Jewish, this film will give you a rare glimpse into a world that you probably never knew existed.

The question I have is, will Ushpizin ever have a chance of being released in Blu-ray?

[Gremal]

Korea seems to be the most progressive in terms of foreign countries getting their films on Blu-ray. I'm sure Israel will show signs at some point, but no news yet. I haven't seen Ushpizin. Actually, I don't like what few Israeli movies I've seen. Amos Gitai is probably the most acclaimed Israeli film maker, and while I can appreciate his work on an artistic level, I have real problems with films like Kippur and Kadosh. I also didn't like Time of Favor. But I can tell there is ever-increasing quality there, so I will keep watching.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Gremal

Korea seems to be the most progressive in terms of foreign countries getting their films on Blu-ray. I'm sure Israel will show signs at some point, but no news yet. I haven't seen Ushpizin. Actually, I don't like what few Israeli movies I've seen. Amos Gitai is probably the most acclaimed Israeli film maker, and while I can appreciate his work on an artistic level, I have real problems with films like Kippur and Kadosh. I also didn't like Time of Favor. But I can tell there is ever-increasing quality there, so I will keep watching.

I like just about every Israeli film I've seen so far and not just because I lived there. I simply love foreign films. It's refreshing for me to see a film once in a while not made in or connected with main stream MPA Hollywood. That includes independent films too, whether from Hollywood or not.

For Gidi Dar who directed Ushpizin like Gitai in Kadosh it took chutzpah gadol to make films like these because of their subject matter. I lived in Givat Mordechai for a several years while I lived in Jerusalem. It's a mixed community of chareidim (orthodox Jews), non orthodox, and even some secular Jews many of whom are Russian immigrants. Although it's no Meah Shearim, living there you still must abide by a strict set of rules that apply especially b'Shabat and b'yomim kadashim where anything that ignites or causes a spark (all things electrical unless switched on b'erev Shabat) is forbidden just to name a few. It's a different way of life.

Anyway, both those films give the outside world a tiny portal into the daily life of the chareidim, perushim, and chasidim.

Give Ushpizn a chance, if just not for the more humorous side or the story. Maybe Israelis will see the Blu too. I hope so!

[Gremal]

Ok, I will seek this out and give it a chance. It seems humorous and insightful. No doubt all of Amos Gitai's films are insightful as well, but they make me very nervous. Having lived in Israel (I've only visited) you know what most people there are like and you are familiar with everyday life there and the issues facing the country. You need to remember that most people do not know what Israelis are like; most people are not familiar with everyday life in Israel; most people do not understand the issues facing the country.

Films like Gitai's cast Israel in a bad light. You and I know better and can put it in the proper perspective, but I assure you that 99.9999% of the public cannot. As such, Gitai is not doing any favors to Israel's image which has enough problems without movies that essentially demonize certain groups of Israelis (many viewers will misinterpret this and apply it to all Israelis). Then you have films like Time of Favor and Kippur that manage to focus on arab-Israeli tension without ever addressing the arab side. Instead they again demonize Israelis. Isn't enough of the world and media engaged in this type of demonization? Do we really need Israeli films contributing to the stereotypes and negative images?

I understand that it's important to shine a light on problems, but it seems Israel's problems already get more than their fair share of attention.

[Yeha-Noha]

I both appreciate and admire your concern over people getting the wrong impression about Israel. You are probably aware after visiting there, that most Israelis are not much concerned over world opinion. I don't see these films having that great of an impact. The biased news media tarnishes Israel's image far more than these films do. Israelis know how to take care of themselves and will take whatever action is necessary to defend themselves.

Originally Posted by Gremal

Films like Gitai's cast Israel in a bad light.

Have you seen The Band's Visit yet? That is one funny movie that I know you'll enjoy. And this one does a good job of bridging the Arabi/Israeli cultural divide. Eran Kolirin did a marvelous job directing this great film. The only thing I didn't like was that it was too short.

Originally Posted by Gremal

You need to remember that most people do not know what Israelis are like; most people are not familiar with everyday life in Israel; most people do not understand the issues facing the country.

Ok, I recommend that they see the recent Israeli film, Close to Home, directed by Vardit Bilu and Dalia Hagar. It will give a realistic taste of what it's like being an Israeli. It zeros in on Arabi/Israeli issues too, as well as the need for extremely tight security and what happens when that slackens.

I think you are bringing up some very good issues that need discussing. Thanks!