Movie Review - The Farewell Party

The Farewell Party **** (out of 5) (NR) The right to die on one’s own terms is a highly controversial topic, with political and religious elements behind the range of laws all countries and states have limiting or defining everyone’s options. No matter where your beliefs lie on the spectrum from complete self-determination, to limited circumstances and conditions, to life-at-all-costs, this mostly-subtitled Israeli dramedy will not only entertain, but offer reasonable, relatable personifications of all perspectives, and how events can make firm beliefs fluid - in either direction. The film has already racked up 20 awards and nominations abroad for the overall production, and many of its contributors on both sides of the camera.

The ensemble cast is a group of average seniors, dealing with health issues of their own, and among loved ones. Some want to end the suffering; others find it immoral, or undesirable for various reasons. All fear the legal consequences of accelerating the end. One man figures out how to make a variation on Dr. Kevorkian’s device, with help from another who knows what chemicals should provide peaceful passage. The masterful screenplay by co-directors Tal Granit and Sharon Maymon handles this subject with heart and a surprisingly deft humor. The characters and their dilemmas should reflect the thoughts and feelings of older viewers, and those who love them, in most countries. As the average age of our own population rises, the import of this issue will grow, with a swirl of emotional, moral, medical and financial considerations intensifying legislative discussions, or lurking in the subtext. We can only hope the eventual debates will stay as close as possible to the humanity, intelligence and sensitivity of this film. We deserve no less. (6/12/15)