Divan

Divan is a unique and stirring documentary film written and directed by Pearl Gluck, a Pennsylvania native with deep-seated Hasidic Jewish roots. Released in 2003, this film is a captivating and thought-provoking plunge into the world of personal identity, religious faith, and familial bonds stretched between cultures and continents, featuring appearances by Amichai Lau Lavie and Basya Schechter.

Rather than presenting a cookie-cutter portrayal of faith and family, Divan takes the viewer on a personal, emotional, and philosophical journey. Pearl Gluck grew up in a Hasidic community in Brooklyn, New York, but at the age of fifteen, she left the orthodox sect to explore a world beyond its rigors. However, she remained tied to her religion and cultural history, carrying a sense of longing for the paradoxical juxtaposition of faith and freedom she left behind.

The movie begins with Gluck’s quest to retrieve a traditional Hungarian relic: a 'divan' or couch on which esteemed rabbis reclined and drowsed during deep religious studies. According to Gluck's father, the divan was passed down through the generations in their family, symbolizing the patriarchal lineage's wisdom and learning. The divan, now lost, therefore stands as a symbol of the faith, heritage, and authoritative power from which she once separated herself.

As viewers, we accompany Gluck on her trans-Atlantic pursuit for the divan, from Brooklyn’s streets to the seemingly alien environment of Hungary. She explores the antiques markets, engages with local dealers, and knocks on the doors of distant relatives. During her pursuit, she converses with an eccentric cousin, a klezmer band, and other colorful characters that breathe life and idiosyncrasy into the journey. Gluck’s intelligence and personal charm shine through in these exchanges, showing the warmth and complexity of a character divided by faith and personal liberty.

As the journey unfolds, Divan puts forth an exploration of boundaries—religious, cultural, and personal. It examines the complex lines of loyalty towards faith and individual freedom through engaging discussions around religion and secularism. These conversations, intertwined with Gluck’s experiences, provide the viewer with a comprehensive understanding of her emotional and spiritual dilemmas.

A formal interview with Rabbi Manis Friedman also stands as a critical element in the film, introducing an angle of orthodox wisdom, polyphony, and subtle humor into the dialogue concerning faith and identity. The Rabbi's insights help contrast the rigors of faith with the temptations of the contemporary world, creating an intriguing dichotomy that leaves a profound impression on audiences.

The authentic, earthy, and moving soundtrack composed by Frank London and Alicia Svigals, which includes enchanting contributions from Basya Schechter, is another highlight of Divan. The music complements the film's visual narrative and supports Gluck’s emotional and spiritual oscillations. The simultaneous presence of Yiddish, Hungarian and English languages alongside Sephardic and klezmer music motifs build an immersive environment that appeals to both heart and intellect.

Divan’s footage is also impressive, provoking the audience to think, empathize, and reflect. Cinematography by Martina Radwan captures the European and American landscapes contrastingly, enhancing their differences and resemblance through lenses. The images of the old Hasidic Brooklyn against the backdrop of the Hungarian countryside add depth and complexity to Gluck’s personal quest, making the movie a visual treat.

Divan stands as a deeply emotional, intellectual, and spiritual pilgrimage, a quest for a physical object symbolizing spiritual identity, familial lineage, and bygone times. It paints a vivid and enchanting picture of the struggle between faith and freedom, which Pearl Gluck beautifully weaves into her personal journey. The film is a sublime reminder of the perpetual interaction and conflict between personal liberty and societal contexts, making it a must-watch for any movie enthusiast.