Menashe

Menashe is a poignant and stirring drama from 2017 which has been thoughtfully directed by Joshua Z. Weinstein. The title role is aptly played by Menashe Lustig, and other impactful performances are delivered by Anna Gansburg Nahmani and Ariel Vaysman. The film is marked by an eloquence that transcends language and cultural barriers, providing a deep dive into a closely-knit community seldom seen on the silver screen.

Menashe is a semi-realist drama drawn from the breadth of human experience. It is unique in that it focuses on the Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York – a world most viewers would find geographically close but culturally distant. This film, however, renders it palpable and universal, bringing color and texture to a community often defined by outsiders through stereotypes.

Our protagonist is Menashe, a middle-aged, kind-hearted widower grappling to keep his life together in the face of societal pressures and expectations. Menashe Lustig, a member of the Hasidic community himself, delivers an authentic portrayal of the character’s ordeal and tries diligently to balance his sense of independence and obligation amidst an unforgiving and tradition-bound society. Lustig's performance is raw and unrefined, devoid of the poised acting techniques of a seasoned thespian, offering a degree of authenticity that brilliantly aligns with the film's intimate nature.

The supporting cast of Anna Gansburg Nahmani and Ariel Vaysman, like Lustig, also hail from the Hasidic community and provide an unsurpassed level of authenticity to their roles. Their capacity to portray the tension and emotion between their characters and Menashe mirrors the real-life dynamics within strict orthodox societies, making it easy for the audience to resonate with the experiences of their on-screen personas.

Menashe is unique, among other reasons, because it is primarily in Yiddish, a language rarely represented in contemporary cinema. Despite this, it has a universal appeal because it delves into struggles that transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries. It encapsulates struggles such as adhering to tradition, acceptance within a community, fatherhood, and existential anxiety which resonate with audiences irrespective of their cultural and linguistic roots.

A standout feature of Menashe is its original script crafted by Alex Lipschultz, Musa Syeed, and Joshua Z. Weinstein. The trio manages to capture the essence of Menashe's personal tribulations, the nuanced complexities of his society, and the intricate dynamics within the orthodox community, all while exercising utmost sensitivity. It takes real-life situations molded by intense cultural constraints and moulds them into a relatable narrative about an individual's struggle with societal norms and the struggle to maintain their identity.

Furthermore, Weinstein excels in offering a balanced and non-judgmental depiction of the Hasidic community. He carefully avoids falling into the pitfall of exoticizing or villainizing this community, instead providing viewers with a palette of complex characters that appear both relatable and human. The community is painted with shades of gray, rather than simplistic binaries, which provides the film with a substantial dose of gravitas.

Underneath its gritty and dramatic exterior, Menashe is imbued with subtle notes of humor and warmth. The eponymous character's bumbling yet heartfelt attempts to navigate his way through the trials and tribulations of life evoke laughter, sympathy, and introspection in equal parts. These moments of levity peppered throughout the film provide respite from its weighty themes and keep the audience engaged till the last frame.

Visually, Menashe is filmed using a handheld camera, giving viewers an intimate and realistic look at the Hasidic community. Cinematographer Yoni Brook does an impeccable job of capturing the nuances of the community, from the bustling street life to the quiet, personal moments at home. The environment is captured in a manner that is both respectful and evocative, providing a fascinating lens into this distinct world.

Overall, Menashe is an engrossing journey into a world little explored by mainstream cinema. It combines nuanced storytelling, authentic performances, and a unique cultural setting to craft a film that resonates well beyond its running time. The experiences of its characters speak to universal themes of cultural constraints, personal identity, and the struggle for acceptance, making this a must-watch for those who value depth and diversity in their cinematic experiences.