Yom Yom

Yom Yom is a provocative Israeli film from 1998 that delves into matters of identity, ethnicity, affair, and existential crisis. Israeli director Amos Gitai crafts this complex narrative around the life of Moshe, a man juggling cultural dualities, personal complexities, and contemplation of the layers of human existence.

The film is colorfully brought to life by the performances of lead actor Moshe Ivgy, an illustrious figure in Israeli cinema, joined by the veteran actress Hanna Maron and Juliano Mer-Khamis, whose charismatic contributions leave a lasting impact on the viewer.

At the center of the plot sits Moshe, a wonderfully chaotic and borderline neurotic figure who owns a pizzeria in Haifa. He's a second-generation Moroccan immigrant perpetually torn between his Arab roots and Israeli nationality. He finds himself caught within social dynamics where any pattern seems to break and blend with another. Moshe's interactions paint a clear image of Israel's multicultural landscape juxtaposed with the animosities and kinships co-existing within the society.

Ivgy's depiction of Moshe is authentic and human. Fond of the simple joys of life and tending to indulge in them, Moshe loves his wife and children, yet constantly gets himself entangled in confusing, undesirable situations. It's his struggle with his identity, heritage, and personal inclinations that form the crux of the movie, providing a rich canvas for Ivgy to showcase his versatile acting skills.

Hanna Maron delivers a nuanced performance as Moshe's wife, Grisha. She portrays a woman acutely aware of her husband's flaws but caring for him nonetheless. There are bitter moments, passion, silent understandings, and deeper frustration in Grisha and Moshe's relationship with a realistic marital symbiosis that Maron beautifully conveys and complements Ivgy’s performance.

Juliano Mer-Khamis features as Moshe's best friend- Jouad, a charming, Arabian-Christian. His interactions with Moshe form amusing and tense sequences, questioning the depth of their friendship. Mer-Khamis's performance oozes charm and carefree charisma, a perfect foil to Moshe's edgy character. Jouad's character further aids in depicting the film's multi-ethnic, multi-religious tapestry.

Yom Yom, which translates to 'Day by Day' in English, is precisely about this: the day-to-day life of an ordinary person, Moshe. The plot unfolds one day at a time, reflecting the complexities of daily life in a multicultural society. As picturesque shots of Haifa's streetscapes and the Mediterranean Sea punctuate the narrative, the city and the sea become metaphors for Moshe's life - a harmonious blend of multiple identities, cultures, confusions, aspirations and regrets. Indeed, the city and its inhabitants, the old and the new, are as significant as the characters themselves, offering a visual testimony for Moshe's quagmire of an existence.

Cinematographically, the film is stark and real. The director uses long shots and intimate close-ups alternatively to enhance the sense of the characters' personal struggles, accentuating the emotional landscape of the narrative. Gitai's direction is noteworthy for its multitextured portrayal of a society, introspection of an individual's inner world, and the reconciliation between the two. The aesthetics Vittorio Storaro brings as a director of photography is stunning and immersive, using soft hues and sharp contrasts to make the scenes engaging and realistic.

Yom Yom artfully weaves the tale of an individual caught amidst the flux of cultural, religious, and societal bonds. The movie is an introspective journey into identity, relationships, and societal influences. It outlines a man's struggle with his dual identity, his yearning for a sense of belonging, and his attempts to embrace his roots and his current existence. It's about the universal search for one's place in the world, painted over the complex canvas of multicultural Israel.

In conclusion, Yom Yom isn't just a film; it's an experience that invites the viewer to introspect, contemplate, and recognize the tapestry of human lives and identities. Its universal theme and the artistic rendition of it make the film more than just a narrative—it is a meditation on life itself, rendered with immense sensitivity and thoughtfulness. With its striking performances and gripping storyline, Yom Yom from 1998 is indeed a film that is meant to be savored, analyzed, and cherished.