Ushpizin

Starring Shuli Rand, Michal Bat-Sheva Rand, and Shaul Mizrahi, "Ushpizin" is an enchanting slice-of-life tale of miracle and faith within the Orthodox Jewish community in modern Jerusalem. Directed by Gidi Dar, the 2004 film presents an intimate and critically acclaimed portrayal of the religiosity, tradition, and daily struggles in the life of a Jewish faithful. The motion picture stands out as it deftly navigates through the realms of faith, human bonds, and tradition, and lifts the veil off a perennially interesting and culturally rich but misunderstood community.

Shuli Rand gives a compelling performance as Moshe, a former secular Jew who turned Baal Teshuva, an individual who has returned to traditional Jewish beliefs and practices, after meeting his wife Mali, played by Michal Bat-Sheva Rand. The couple is devoutly religious, struggling to make ends meet in the bustling alleys of Jerusalem's Orthodox Breslav community. The story coincides with the onset of the Jewish festival Sukkot, and Moshe and Mali find themselves caught in a predicament, subjugating their faith to a real test as they grapple with an acute absence of funds to build the traditional Sukkah and procure the 'Four Species' necessary for the processions.

In desperate times, the couple manifestly puts their faith on display, praying fervently for a miracle, and a miracle does occur in the most unexpected and awkward form. Just when they begin to celebrate their good fortune, their past abruptly and inconveniently returns to haunt them when two escaped convicts from Moshe’s past life show up at their doorway. The film's name, "Ushpizin", refers to the Aramaic term for 'guests', touching on an age-old custom in which Jews are expected to welcome guests into their Sukkah during the celebrations. The arrival of these two unwelcome and intrusive guests bestows upon Moshe and Mali an array of trials and tribulations that challenge their faith, patience, and idealism, making for an intriguing and life-altering Sukkot experience for the couple.

The heartwarming movie brilliantly explores the journey of the protagonists in a religiously significant time while they juggle between the paths of righteousness and temptation. The movie also offers deep insight into Orthodox Jewish practices, rituals, and beliefs, providing an authentic depiction of the pulse of contemporary Jerusalem and its bustling religious alleys.

Shuli Rand delivers a breathtaking portrayal of Moshe. His transformation from his secular past to an intensely religious man is beautifully crafted, and his on-screen chemistry with Michal Bat-Sheva Rand, the latter's real-life wife, is extremely convincing and adds depth to their characters' relationship. Michal's character, Mali, is nuanced and powerfully performed, showcasing different facets of a pious yet pragmatic woman in a traditional society.

Theme-wise, "Ushpizin" is a well-executed, multi-layered narrative that smoothly transitions from drama to comedy to a gentle spiritual discourse. The film lays the groundwork for understanding Orthodox Judaism's dogmatic aspects and also engages at a universal emotional level, focusing on themes like faith, love, benevolence, the battle against sin, and the struggles of life. The engaging discourse and nuanced narrative set in a traditional Jewish cultural backdrop make this film unique.

The technical aspects of "Ushpizin" are commendably handled. Eye-capturing cinematography elevates the ambiance of Jerusalem's streets during the festival, with the art direction and costume design accurately portraying Orthodox Jewish life. The script, written by lead actor Shuli Rand, is a rich tapestry intertwining faith with life's trials while adhering to a captivating storytelling style.

Overall, "Ushpizin" is a deeply moving drama that blends faith and reality in a relatable and thoughtful story. It draws light on a comparatively unexplored community and their lifestyle, providing deeper introspection into their world of faith and tradition. The movie brings an enriching cinematic experience with the right balance of drama, humor, and spiritual undertones, coupled with stellar performances that make it a must-watch.