A PLACE IN HEAVEN
Dir. Yossi Madmony (117min, Israel, 2013)
In Hebrew with English Subtitles
Narrative
This quasi-Biblical, epic drama spans the history of Israel through 40 years and three wars, yet, like Madmony’s previous film Restoration, at its heart it is about father-son relationships.
When
the brave, much admired officer dubbed Bambi returns to base after a
daring mission, the cook’s assistant, a young rabbi, tells him enviously
that he has earned a place in heaven for endangering his life on behalf
of his Jewish brethren. As a secular Zionist, Bambi scoffs at this
notion and notes that he would gladly give up that place in exchange for
his favorite spicy omelet. Since religious law permits the trade of
such an abstract concept, the cook draws up a contract.
Such
impulsive behavior, typical of the arrogant, young Bambi, proves to have
long-term consequences. Like the flawed heroes of the Old Testament,
Bambi registers as achingly human; never more so than in his
relationship with son Nimrod, who rejects his expectations and turns to
other father-figures in order to forge a life of his own as a religious
Jew.
Dir. Yossi Madmony (117min, Israel, 2013)
In Hebrew with English Subtitles
Narrative
This quasi-Biblical, epic drama spans the history of Israel through 40 years and three wars, yet, like Madmony’s previous film Restoration, at its heart it is about father-son relationships.
When
the brave, much admired officer dubbed Bambi returns to base after a
daring mission, the cook’s assistant, a young rabbi, tells him enviously
that he has earned a place in heaven for endangering his life on behalf
of his Jewish brethren. As a secular Zionist, Bambi scoffs at this
notion and notes that he would gladly give up that place in exchange for
his favorite spicy omelet. Since religious law permits the trade of
such an abstract concept, the cook draws up a contract.
Such
impulsive behavior, typical of the arrogant, young Bambi, proves to have
long-term consequences. Like the flawed heroes of the Old Testament,
Bambi registers as achingly human; never more so than in his
relationship with son Nimrod, who rejects his expectations and turns to
other father-figures in order to forge a life of his own as a religious
Jew.
