The friendship between two teenage boys starts off a bit rocky...
Although both boys are Jewish, they come from vastly different upbringings. Danny (Robby Benson) was raised in Hasidic traditions, with siblings, a loving mother, and a rabbi father who communicates with him through silence. Reuven (Barry Miller), on the other hand, is an only child whose widowed academic father, a Zionist, speaks liberally.
REUVEN MALTER
You are weird.
DANNY SAUNDERS
I am?
REUVEN MALTER
Yeah, you are. You look like you
walked out of another century.
You play baseball like Babe Ruth.
You talk like you're from another planet.
DANNY SAUNDERS
Thanks for the compliment.
Although both boys are Jewish, they come from vastly different upbringings. Danny (Robby Benson) was raised in Hasidic traditions, with siblings, a loving mother, and a rabbi father who communicates with him through silence. Reuven (Barry Miller), on the other hand, is an only child whose widowed academic father, a Zionist, speaks liberally.
Despite their differences, they become inseparable friends...until their opposing views regarding the formation of Israel create a gulf between them almost too wide to cross.
The film is rich in culture, relationships, and dialogue. A scene in the latter part of the film touched me deeply and made me reflect on our relationship with God, our Heavenly Father. Sometimes we don't understand God's ways, but His reasons always tie to an abiding love for us, and in His knowing the experiences we need in order to become compassionate and merciful beings.
I can't recall who recommended this film to me. I wish I could thank them. This film sticks with me in a good way.
The film is rich in culture, relationships, and dialogue. A scene in the latter part of the film touched me deeply and made me reflect on our relationship with God, our Heavenly Father. Sometimes we don't understand God's ways, but His reasons always tie to an abiding love for us, and in His knowing the experiences we need in order to become compassionate and merciful beings.
I can't recall who recommended this film to me. I wish I could thank them. This film sticks with me in a good way.
Notes on content:
- No sex or nudity
- Some mild name calling, and racial slurs.
- No extreme violence, but some bullying and fighting. Also, some graphic images of the Holocaust are shown.
Trudy, this is one of my favorite films for the same reasons. I also read the novel by Chaim Potok. Excellent book.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the film, I wanted to read the book but I still haven't. I'm going to add it to my reading list right now. Thanks for your comment!
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