My Father My Lord

My Father My Lord (Hofshat Kaits in Hebrew) is a deeply moving Israeli film written and directed by David Volach. Released in 2007, it depicts the life of Ultra-Orthodox Jews in contemporary society. In essence, the film paints an emotional and poignant picture of a father-son relationship encased in a religious framework, drawing upon the trials and tribulations that they encounter due to the associated conflicts that occur between faith and reality.

The narrative revolves around Rabbi Abraham Eidelman (Assi Dayan), who is a highly respected figure in the Hasidic community of Bnei Brak, Israel. The plot primarily highlights the challenges faced by the Rabbi as he seeks a balance between his profound faith and the demands of his familial duties. As the head of a prominent Rabbinical Court, he serves as a paragon of the ultra-Orthodox faith, while simultaneously trying his best to cater to the needs of his tender, caged family. He is also depicted as a devout man, with his life rigorously dictated by religious rituals and stringent rules, distanced from modernity.

Ilan Griff plays Menahem, the Rabbi's only child. He is an intelligent and curious young boy with a deep fascination with the world that lies outside his conventional orthodox world. He growing curiosity continues to question the strict limitations and regulations that their faith imposes. His character cleverly introduces us to the societal fabric of their Hasidic system through his innocent eyes.

Sharon Hacohen plays Esther, the loving, obedient, and submissive wife of Rabbi Eidelman and mother of Menahem. She is depicted to be a woman resigned to her place in a male-dominant society and yet, craves for the lost joys of womanhood and motherhood amidst her stringent life. Her stoic resilience and silent yearning subtly bring forth the issues of gender inequity that continue to prevail.

The movie incorporates several lyrical and metaphysical elements that add layers to the narrative. Volach offers a profound exploration of the paradoxes that inhabit spaces where stringent religiosity coincides with the inquisitive spirit of childhood, personal freedom, and modernity. Beautifully shot in Jerusalem, the film's setting brings out a visually captivating picture of the city and its unique cultural nuances.

My Father My Lord is filled with silent scenes and moment-to-moment unfolding of familial sequences, evoking emotions without the support of high drama or sensational twists. This compels the viewer to delve into provoking thoughts about religious faith and its juxtaposition with societal dilemmas. Such portrayals lead us to question and probe the seemingly hallowed traditions and doctrines that dictate much of orthodox life.

Performances are outstanding across the board. Assi Dayan, a recognized Israeli actor, embodiment of the devout Rabbi Eidelman is praiseworthy. His portrayal of a man torn between deep-rooted faith and emotional turmoil showcases an enormous acting range. Ilan Griff, as Menahem, gives a heart-wrenching performance, while Sharon Hacohen exquisitely portrays the role of the mother, conveying a world of unspoken emotions through her eyes.

Another standout aspect of My Father My Lord is the intriguing score which provides a nuanced backdrop to the film, contributing to its escalating emotional intensity. The cinematography also impeccably mirrors the film's realm, capturing the setting's austere ambiance and the characters' subdued emotional kaleidoscope.

Volach's directorial debut can be described as an enthralling portrayal of familial intricacies, a poignant definition of religious obedience and the inevitable collision of faith with the unpredictability of life. His background as an Orthodox Jew himself lends an aspect of authenticity to the film, coupling it with the universal subject of familial relationships and personal dilemmas to reach audiences beyond the boundaries of cultural specificity.

My Father My Lord, with its powerful storytelling and riveting performances, presents a deep, emotional exploration into the human condition and the dichotomy between faith and reality, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. Its global acclaim and numerous accolades, including the Tribeca Film Festival's Best Narrative Feature award, bear testament to its impact and timeless relevance. The film stands as a prime example of thought-provoking and culturally significant Israeli cinema.