MENASHE: A YIDDISH FILM

By Sara Darling

A HEBREW FILM SET IN DOWNTOWN NEW YORK

If anyone would have said that I would have sat still for ninety minutes and watch a film in Yiddish, I would probably have had a chuckle and thought that they needed a drink! However, this somewhat unorthodox feat did happen, and I made it through to the closing credits of Joshua Z Weinstein's debut movie, with a tear in my eye.

In a nutshell, the wife of our main man, Menashe has died, leaving him a single dad. However, he is not the most stable of characters, and to the rest of the Jewish community, is a slob. Having lived in a loveless relationship with his (arranged marriage) wife, he even admits that he was happier now she was gone..

However, this also means that Menashe has to surrender custody of his son, as a self-moderated custom in this particular Jewish community states that children should be brought up in a household with two parents. Cue, judgemental evil brother in law, gloating over the bumbling, but  likeable lead.

​However, this also means that Menashe has to surrender custody of his son, as a self-moderated custom in this particular Jewish community states that children should be brought up in a household with two parents. Cue, judgemental evil brother in law, gloating over the bumbling, but  likeable lead.

Seemingly a ridiculous solution in this day and age, where single parents are more common than not, Menashe seeks advice from the neighbourhood rabbi, who appears to see a temporary option.

In the meantime, Menashe tries to date- as finding a new wife would be an easiest way to keep his son, but he honestly realises he is better on his own.

However is he better at bringing up his child? Allowing him to eat cake and drink soda, stay up late and come to work with him is not something that impresses the rest of the family. Taking a nine year old out so he can drunk was probably one of the most well executed  and painful scenes. Nevertheless, you can see a bond growing with the father and son against the rest of the world. 

But when Menashe accidentally makes a major mistake at work, his world comes tumbling down. All he has left to prove himself as worthy is hosting his wife's memorial....

We all know a man like Menashe. Likeable, klutzy and real. I won't tell you what happens in the end, but it is well worth a watch. 

Out in cinemas on December 8th.