Review of Ushpizin (2004) by Yoel D — 16 May 2009
A wonderful gem of a film. "Ushpizin" is a great indie about an Israeli couple that only recently has become religious that are struggling to have a child while also struggling financially all before Succot, one of the most joyous Jewish holidays on the Jewish calendar.
The film immediately gets points for beautifully showing the real modern day Israel. On one hand it looks downtrodden, but the beauty of the spiritual wealth coming from the communities is what brings a sense of awe.
The film's writing is great, building up all the elements of the recently converted main character to an absolutely intense moment towards the end where his faith is put at its most powerful test.
Like others have said, this movie depicts a realistic trial of a faithful couple who are like the Israelites in the desert, relying upon God at every move because nothing else is going to get them through it.
The themes of the presence of God, miracles, dealing with shocking circumstances in the everyday holy life, and others are all very present. The direction is very good. The overhead shots of Jerusalem were nice.
The director was great at keeping the film feel calm during every scene no matter what was occuring but going all out in the scenes that needed the drama, which allowed those dramatic scenes to truly stand out and reveal the difficulty of the trial the couple is going through.
This review of Ushpizin (2004) was written by Yoel D on 16 May 2009.
Ushpizin has generally received positive reviews.
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