Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Film "Fill the Void"-Should it be Avoided?

The Israeli film, "Fill the Void," opened a window into the obscure Hasidic community, their religious observances and daily lives.  The film begins with a Purim celebration.   The men in the Hasidic sect are drinking & singing together while the women look on from a separate room.  During the festival of Purim, the men meet with the Rabbi, their religious leader, to discuss their difficulties which all seem to benefit from financial support.  After listening, the Rabbi generously doled out money.   It reminded me of The Godfather on his daughter's wedding day.  However, the Rabbi was not a don or a svengali for his congregation.  He was revered for his wisdom, guidance & compassion. The Rabbi even went with an elderly woman who had no one else for help, to purchase an oven.  The Hasidic people were portrayed as deeply religious and committed to each other.  The story deals with the aftermath of the death of Esther in childbirth.  Esther leaves behind her baby, husband Yochay, parents and a loving younger sister, Shira.  This remarkable debut film is by Rama Burshtein who lives in an ultra-Orthodox enclave in Tel Aviv.  All grieve deeply for Esther.  Shira's mother cannot bear the loss of grandson should her son-in-law move away to remarry.  She wants Shira to her marry her sister's widower.  At no point is Shira coerced into this arrangement. Yochay & Shira are resistant to this idea at first.  Many influences come into play: the Rabbi's consultation, Shira's mother desire for this union & the couples growing attraction for each other.  The film is made with grace & sensitivity.  There are no villians to this film, aside from oppressive sexism.  I have a great deal of admiration for the movie.  Did I like it? No, I didn't.  Perhaps, it's me being judgemental that made me feel uncomfortable.

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