Deep in the heart of New York’s ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jewish community, Menashe–a kind, hapless grocery store clerk–struggles to make ends meet and responsibly parent his young son, Rieven, following his wife Leah’s death. Tradition prohibits Menashe from raising his son alone, so Rieven’s strict uncle adopts him, leaving Menashe heartbroken. Meanwhile, though Menashe seems to bungle every challenge in his path, his rabbi grants him one special week with Rieven before Leah’s memorial. It’s his chance to prove himself a suitable man of faith and fatherhood, and restore respect among his doubters. – Rotten Tomatoes
Critic Reviews
Language alone will be a limiting factor in this deserving drama’s ability to find an audience, but it enhances the authenticity of documentary director Joshua Z Weinstein’s narrative debut. – Peter Debruge, Variety. Full review.
The film is worth praising for what it is and admiring for what it’s not — there’s no sappiness or false emotion, and none of the clichéd, quirky misfits who populate so many commercial comedies. – Ken Jaworowski, The NYTimes. Full review.
…For all its cultural specificity, Menashe tells a universal story about a father-son relationship. – Mark Kermode, The Guardian. Full review.
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Hallhill Healthy Living Centre, Dunbar
8 pm, 1hr 21mins.