Ushpizin (2004) User Reviews

The uninvited guests

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 22 October 2005]

Israeli cinema continues to surprise us. Not knowing anything about what this film was about, we went on the strength of the trailers we had watched. Giddi Dar, the director of "Ushpizin", is a secular man who has created a wonderful movie of hope and faith, based on the screen play by its star, Shuli Rand.

This story might be set in Israel, but it will probably resonate in audiences that go to see it with an open mind because it can be translated to other cultures. "Ushpizin" presents us an Orthodox Jewish couple that can hardly make ends meet. A religious feast is dawning on Moshe and Malli and they don't have enough to eat themselves, expecting somehow in a miracle to solve their situation. Moshe is a man that had a dubious past and has decided to become religious as a way to atone. Malli hasn't been able to conceive, a thorn in their hearts because both want a baby desperately.

When a mysterious envelope is slid under their door, Malli is shocked to find a thousand dollars in it. That seems to be the solution to their monetary problems. At the same time, we have witnessed a distraught Moshe praying for a miracle. The couple is not prepared for the unexpected riches they get, the only thing is they don't have anyone to invite to partake of the feast Malli has prepared.

Moshe's problems start just as the couple is going to begin eating, two strange men appear at their door. They are Eliyaher and Yossef, two convicts that knew Moshe in his prior life. The Bellangas believe this is another miracle because the best way to celebrate the feast is to have guests to share it with. Moshe and Malli are in for a rude awakening.

The film works because of the fine work of all the principals who play their roles convincingly. Shuli Rand is excellent. Michal Rand, makes the long suffering Malli a woman the viewer can identify with.

The film is almost a fable with a marvelous ending that will bring smiles to the viewer. Giddi Gar, the director, has to be congratulated for making this such a personal and, at the same time, universal story, come true for everyone's delight.

faith based and still good? i am as shocked as you.

[salmonspartan · 8/10 · 3 October 2005]

This movie was great. i am not Jewish, have no Jewish friends, and really no great understanding of the faith. When i saw that i was seeing a movie the director called " deeply about faith", filmed on a totally kosher set and not allowed to be watched on the sabbath, i was preparing my self for a trip worse than Godzilla. But i was blown away. Shuli Rand is totally brilliant. This movie, as far as i am concerned, could be a vehicle for him and i would have loved it. I rarely see an actor that can let people half a world away feel the way they do about the world. I have no idea the real implacatons of the quoth, the holiday that the film takes place around, but i feel the importance just in how the lead actor holds a lemon. I was totally enthralled by this movie. The uplifting, god loving, faith inspiring aspects of film normally slide of my back because they are bad actors with bad scripts. This movie actually got the point of faith across better than i could imagine. What i mean is that Moshle ( Shuli, the lead) prays, and he revieves. Then you see why. A friend accidentally steals something he needs. Is this gods work, or dumb luck? the director and writer never answer, which makes for a much better ending. All i didn't like in the movie were a few simple things like bland direction, poor sense of time and an occasional lack of explanation.

but all and all, this is probably the best religious movie i have seen in quite some time, and i you like character acting above plot twists and effects, see this film.

reality and faith

[dromasca · 8/10 · 5 November 2005]

It's quite hard for me to speak about this film without referring to the context of the delicate balance of relations between religious and non-religious people in Israel. This film is made mostly by religious people, and the whole story is told from the perspective of the deep believers. Jewish religious Jerusalem looks beautiful in this film, and it's no better moment to put it on screen than the festival of Succot. Still, the world and life of the religious people in Israel is much more complicated, and the problems they face are quite different, but this is not what this story is about.

What this is indeed about is about what does influence our lives. The main characters are a born-again Jew and his wife, living at the brink of their resources a life of devotion and religious studies. Many things happen to them in the few days before and during the holiday, and these can be explained as miracles dictated by God, or by circumstances of hazard. Of course, the characters are true believers, they speak to God, and know that God rewards them or punishes them for their deeds, but is not this the result of their imagination derived from their deep belief? The director makes for most of the film no comment and lets the viewers decide by themselves. Only by the end, in the last minutes he decides to become explicit, and this is a mistake in my opinion. The kind of Hollywood style ending adopted by this film is sometimes called 'Deus ex machina' and never was the name more appropriate.

Acting is wonderful, both of the religious people looking like characters descending directly from Bashevis Singer's books, as well as the non-religious ones, although their characters are closer to stereotypes. The film was originally made for TV, I believe, with a small budget, it still is true and sincere and funny in many moments. I am looking forward to see how it will be received by the North American audiences.

Thoroughly enjoyable -- groundbreaking secular-religious Israeli work

[rsevrinsky · 2 January 2005]

Positive depictions of haredi (so-called-ultra-Orthodox) lifestyle in film, whether American or Israeli, are not common. "Ushpizin" is a delightful little tale, almost a fable, with quite a bit of hidden depth.

Newly religious Moshe and Mali (real-life couple Shuli and Michal Bat-Sheva Rand) desperately need a miracle to get through the holiday of Sukkot. Without any support from Moshe's yeshiva, they are about to be overwhelmed by back rent and other debts. Strict believers in the Breslov tradition, they pray for a miracle, even as it unfolds (a brilliant 3-way inter-cut sequence that is the highlight of the film). Their joy is short-lived, however, when Elihayu and Yosef, unexpected guests from Moshe's pre-Haredi life, join them for the holiday.

The film is surprisingly honest -- Moshe and Mali are placed in the uncomfortable position of practicing genuine hospitality and tolerance to those who attitudes and actions place them diametrically opposed to everything the haredi couple stand for. Indeed, when Eliyahu and Yosef blast their music in the middle of the haredi neighborhood, a lynch mob nearly forms, the isolationist side of Haredi life raising its ugly head to keep its own courtyards clean of the outside world. There is a certain sense in the movie that Breslov chasidim distinguish themselves from the other sects in truly practicing love and outreach, coupled with unshakable belief.

Shuli Rand's portrayal of Moshe, which is probably more than a bit autobiographical, is dead-on: conflicted and uncomfortably reminded of a world he left far behind. The film makes a strong case for Divine Providence in every aspect of every individual's life, and for living up to the challenges and tests that G-d places before you.

Delightful ... But ...

[cdelacroix1 · 7/10 · 23 December 2005]

This was a delightful movie in so many ways.

First, I really enjoyed the overall depiction of what was for me a very different cultural setting ... both regarding the religious context (Ultra-Orthodox Judaism) and the geocultural context (contemporary Israel, especially contemporary Jerusalem). I certainly can't comment on authenticity; but the overall flavor was convincing and the often exotic (to me) happenings, sayings, behaviors, etc were to me very appealing.

Second, the characters of Moshe and Malli were simply wonderful and wonderfully appealing. Their relationship was vivid; and the window into how an Orthodox marriage relationship "works" in the context of a strong Faith commitment by both of the couple was such a bracing experience for me.

Third, the general plot-theme ... two escaped convicts showing up and both challenging and straining Hospitality ... is very appealing to me. The characters of the convicts ... Scorpio and Yossef ... were much less appealing but certainly (uh) interesting.

Still the odd relationship between Moshe and Scorpio; and between Moshe and his wife and Scorpio and Yossef ... somehow lacked something that for me I could really find very convincing. The behavior of Scorpio and Yossef toward both their hosts, and to the general religious community on the street in which they were staying, was so attention-provoking that I had to ask myself what kind of escaped convicts want that kind of attention.

Yet all in all I really enjoyed this movie. And if you, like me, find this a pleasing but somewhat mystifying *cultural* challenge, hey, read some of the other comments on IMDb, there are some wonderful comments from Israel in particular that have shed much light for me.

Wonderful

[ebroadwaybear · 9/10 · 1 May 2005]

"Sad to be all alone in the world" WIthout children there is no laughter.... so starts the struggle of a Baal Tshuvah (returnees to Judaisn) family in Israel in the huge Breslower chassidic community. Moshe Balanga is struggling to put food on the table, although it is never explained WHY he doesn't work, he comes home dejected on the eve of the holiday of Sucot only to be told by his wife that his faith is lacking and that he should pray harder. Ushpizen is a look at the guarded frum (religious) community from the inside. No compromises of nudity, sex, violence, foul language are needed to tell this sweet, fast paced, emotional story. I saw it with a mostly Jewish audience, but sat next to a non jew who enjoyed it as much as I did. For all ages, for all walks of life.... You will cry, and you will laugh, and you will cheer when it is over. I can't wait to see it again, I suggest you run to see it when it hits national release in September.

Enjoyable.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 3 February 2014]

what made the citron worth that much? leave from prison?!

Sometimes when I watch a film, I simply like to see another culture--how they live, think and their values. So, in this sense, I had a nice time seeing "Ushpizin". This is because life for Orthodox Jews in Israel and their celebration of Succoth is about as different from my life here in the States as you can get!

Moshe and Mali are distraught. They are desperately poor and the feast of Succoth is approaching. They cannot afford to buy the things needed for the celebration and this puts a lot of pressure on their marriage. What also puts pressure on them is that they have no children and have been trying for several years. So both pray to God very fervently and their prayers end up being answered--though the answer they get comes in the form of two escaped prisoners as well as an anonymous donor. What about the child? Well, see the film to find out how all these things work out for the couple.

This film has nice characters and is enjoyable to watch. It is not a great film, however, because some things seemed a bit vague--like they forgot about a few of the plot points. I am particularly confused about Moshe--he has some past history but it really isn't elaborated. The same goes for the fates of the prisoners--this just seemed to be forgotten. However, as character studies, the film was quite nice.

Like An I.B. Singer Story Brought to Life in Today's Jerusalem

[noralee · 9/10 · 26 May 2005]

"Ha Ushpizin" is like a cross between Isaac Bashevis Singer and O. Henry stories brought to life in contemporary Jerusalem.

Set just before and during the fall harvest festival of Succoth, it is a modern retelling of the story from Genesis and its accompanying Midrash (extra-Biblical story) of Abraham encouraging guests (the title in Aramaic) to his house, that has become a mitzvah (obligation) for holidays. It is a thoroughly charming story of faith and love - and how maintaining both is a daily struggle requiring patience and humor and can even replace therapy.

What makes the film so involving emotionally is the superb acting. In Q & A at the Tribeca Film Festival the Orthodox writer/star and secular director explained they came up with the film, which was inspired by an actual incident that is used as a plot point, and worked diligently to get rabbinical approval by meeting certain restrictions, in order to put a human face behind the head coverings and beards of the Ultra Orthodox in Israel to help ease the tensions between their community ("the Hats" as they are called in short hand) and the majority secular citizens of Israel.

Shuli Rand was a leading film and theater actor before he gave up a secular life for a religious one, much as his character has only been religious for a few years after a somewhat shady past that in the film literally comes back to haunt him. His wife and co-star Michal Bat-Sheva Rand had been a theater director in her past and only agreed to act in this film as that was one of the rabbi's requirements for approval; a story about a couple had to be portrayed by an actual married pair. Practically swaddled burkha-like and almost as wide as she is tall, she unpredictably dominates the screen and takes it above any other more anthropological film about traditional families from any part of the world.

The modern sociological examinations are limited to having the only secular characters in the film be somewhat stereotyped; the kindliest one can say about them is that they are like citizens of Chelm or descendants of Vladimir and Estragon when they are comic relief or a menacing Laurel and Hardy.

There is some gentle clear-eyed look at the Ultra Orthodox as not serving in the Army and living only on charity that they mostly collect like Hare Krishnas in the street or from guilt-ridden Modern Orthodox businessmen that is then distributed based on the internal politics of their affiliated yeshiva.

I also have qualms about prayer being used for such personal propitiation as the couple do here, but that aspect is directed so delightfully and heartwarmingly that it's Scrooge-like to complain.

The visuals of the community of Mea Shearim, the Ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem neighborhood where the film is set, with the temporary Succoth (booths for outdoor eating) set up throughout of various materials, are marvelous views that outsiders rarely get to see.

When it is released in Fall 2005 in the U.S. (with special screenings set up for the Hassidic communities that cannot attend secular theaters with mixed audiences) I doubt viewers will get to participate in the kind of lively and colorful audience I did at the Museum of Jewish Heritage which included almost every possible age and affiliation of New York Jews, particularly from Brooklyn, and some non-Jewish out-of-towners in for the Festival.

But all the Orthodox attendees wanted to know was how the secular director could not be inspired to take the pledge, as it were, after making such a film? He pointed out that his sound designer was so inspired - who stood up to much cheering from many in the crowd.

The Book Of Genesis

[rudy-30 · 7/10 · 18 September 2006]

There are two reasons why I do not give this film a full ten stars. First of all, the subtitles at times are hard to read. Why do the filmmakers feel that white on white is legible? Also, the conclusion is unsatisfactory.

The film is basically the story of Abraham and Sarah updated. Abraham and Sarah were visited by angels who foretold Sarah that she would have a baby. The stars of the film are a childless couple praying for a baby. The angels have a sub-plot taken from the story of Lot, to further the action. The trouble is that at the end, when the guests do reappear, we are not told what happened to them.

The filmmakers are to be congratulated for not using a simplistic plot device in the numbering system. The couple who star in the film are ranked 35 on a list. 36 in Hebrew numerology means a double life, and would have been overly cute to scholars watching this film. I am not sure the importance of 35, but I am sure there is some.

This film is very reminiscent of the great Bogart/Ustinov/Ray film "We're No Angels." There are quite a few similarities.

Overcoming our own character flaws

[leah25 · 10/10 · 13 February 2005]

While the setting might be foreign to many viewers, the movie's main message is universal. Moshe and Mali have all the external trappings of their newly found faith. Now they are put to the ultimate test when Moshe has to overcome his most prominent character flaw. The final miracle is a reward for his ability to transform himself from the inside (not just on the outside).

Rand is superb as always. I have seen him in two theatrical play and he was every bit as good as in the film. His purpose in movie-making is to bring the message of G-dliness to the viewers of all walks of life.

One of my favorites.

Insight into a religious community

[robertemerald · 7/10 · 28 October 2019]

Ushpizin is the sort of movie where honesty will bring a smile to your face. Centered around a great love between a devoted man and his devoted wife, Ushpizin tells the story of how luck throws both profound good and bad news their way, and how, with profound faith, they ride the storm. It's well acted. It's a privilege to see how a community in Jerusalem lives and works together. A very positive movie that is easy to recommend.

Israeli cinema impresses again!

[hahaifait · 9/10 · 9 January 2005]

Ushpizin is about a "chozer b'tshuva" (recently religious) Jerusalem couple whose faith is tested repeatedly during the Succot holiday. Will their faith hold as the tests get harder and harder? Will G-d send them the miracles they need? Familiar references spring to mind, from the biblical story of Avraham and Sarah, to traditional tales of shtetl life, to the stories of S.Y. Agnon. Yet the contemporary context makes it a highly original work. The film manages to retain and build dramatic tension. It successfully portrays strong emotions including anger, frustration, love, gratitude, and faith without becoming overly sentimental.

The main couple is played by actors who are married in real life and also religious in real life (he wrote the script). Their love, clearly visible, is one of the nicest parts of the story.

The criminals who come to stay as guests during the holiday ("Ushpizin" in Hebrew) are a bit too cartooned at times, but are not all bad.

It's nice to see a Jerusalem that really exists: a place of material poverty but spiritual wealth, home to an imperfect but caring community that finds meaning in the fulfillment of mitzvahs (commandments).

Interesting, unusual Israeli film has a respectful view of life among the Jewish Orthodox

[Andy-296 · 7/10 · 1 February 2015]

This interesting, crowd pleasing Israeli film can best be described as a fable rather than as a tragedy or a comedy. Also, its respectful view of Haredi (ultra orthodox) life makes it an unusual film to see.

The movie's protagonists are a married couple living in Jerusalem's Haredi district, newly religious Moshe Belanga (Shuli Rand, an actor that has embraced religion and has returned to the screen with the authorization of his rabbi to film this) and Mali (Michal Bat-Sheva, his real life wife, who has never acted in a film before). With their relationship already strained for her inability to have a child, they are now very short of money as the holiday of Sukkot nears, since Moshe's yeshiva has cut his stipend, they are overwhelmed by back rent and have barely any money for buying food. They pray for a miracle, which they eventually get, when they receive the sukkot, or tabernacle, the citron used in the holiday and even guests, or ushpizin. Their joy is short-lived, however, since their unexpected guests, Elihayu and Yosef (Shaul Mizrahi and Ilan Ganani) are, unbeknownst to them, actually convicts fleeing their parole, Eliyahu being an acquaintance from Moshe's tough pre religious life. So Moshe and Mali are placed in the uncomfortable position of practicing genuine hospitality and tolerance to those whose attitudes and actions place them diametrically opposed to everything they stand. But they will take this, as most problems they face in their life, as a test for their faith.

An Orthodox Jewish couple during the Succoth holiday must persevere through the trials that come with their miracle.

[user-18-896660 · 3/10 · 3 June 2014]

This film is centered around an Orthodox Jewish couple during the Succoth holiday. In the beginning they are so poor that they do not think they will be able to participate in the holiday and eat cabbage for dinner. Luckily a miracle happens. They receive a large amount of money at random. They are then put to the test by two visitors from the husband's darker past, and in the end through it all they manage to carry through and are rewarded with a son.

To be completely honest I did not like this film. As a film to watch for class it was alright and helped teach me about the Jewish tradition of Succoth, but as a film to enjoy it was pretty awful. I did not connect or feel much for the characters except for a large amount of frustration during the majority of the film. Although I was unfamiliar with the culture of Orthodox Jews I found many of the major plot points to be quite predictable.

Like I said I was, and am still, unfamiliar with the culture surrounding Orthodox Jews so that was something in the film that I enjoyed learning about. The holiday of Succoth and the conversation between the husband and the man he accidentally stole from helped show me and give a visual for what I think are two major parts of Judaism; forgiveness and compassion. But other than the learning that I managed to take away from this film I think it was overall a disappointment. I would not recommend it to others.

An insider's view on this film

[ltble · 26 June 2006]

I just saw this film for the first time, and although much has been written about it already, I haven't seen a review that seems to reflect my perspective, so I may have something to add. I myself grew up completely secular and became an Orthodox Jew at the age of 18, and I have had connections with Breslover Chassidim, which this film depicts. I could write about this film on two levels. One, it's quality as a film, and two, its accuracy in portraying an aspect of the Jewish Orthodox world.

Purely as a film, it's nothing to write home about. The story is kind of shallow and fairy-tale like, putting together a series of events that, while each one on its own could and does happen, are not believable in sum total. I guess that could be said about many films, but since this one is giving a somewhat intimate view of the Orthodox world and its beliefs and emotions, I would have preferred that it be made with more of a sense of realism and balance. As it is, it's doing a disservice to a community that is already seen as living in its own fairy-tale. The acting seemed pretty good, but it's hard to give a fair judgment when you're not hearing your mother tongue. I found the direction a bit choppy, not giving me enough time to savor the emotional points, but that may be a matter of taste.

Now, as for the depiction of the Orthodox, and more specifically, the Breslover Chassidic world {I must preface that I've never lived in Jerusalem (although I studied in Yeshiva there and have had meals with families who live in the area depicted in the film), nor have I been closely associated with this group, but I've had a few friends who were}:

In this area I feel the picture did a very good job. It shows the struggles of a baal-teshuvah (newly religious) couple, and how they bring their faith in God to the practical arena of life. The honest and straightforward relationship between the two protagonists is realistic and believable, although I don't think you would find the same candor and open emotion in the relationship of a similarly Chassidic couple who were religious all their lives (but I can't be sure, as in those circles people would never display their relationship in front of others).

The "straight-talking" form of prayer that we see the main character do is called "hisbodedus" and is strongly encouraged in the Breslover literature. After seeing it in action, I'm beginning to see its merits. It really makes you feel that there's a reality to his belief in God, and it's not just lip-service.

There were aspects of the film's depiction of religious ritual that bothered me, but I'm not going to nit-pick here.

There were several lost opportunities here, once they took the trouble to make a "kosher" film using real Orthodox actors in a real environment. The only view we had of the Yeshivah didn't show a serious Talmudic study session, but rather a time when they were studying "chassidus," the moral and ethical self-improvement texts. As such, I don't think it would impress an outsider as something worthy of being jobless for. They are left thinking that these people spend their whole day wagging their thumbs about not getting angry, or trusting in God.

In fact, whatever way you show it, I don't think you can make this way of life understandable to a secular eye. To show a married man who chooses not to work, but then bemoans his penniless fate and cries out to God to help him and save him seems, to an outsider of this society, simplistic at best, and ridiculous and irresponsible at worst. It's a shame that the purity and depth of faith shown in this film was set against such a backdrop.

I also didn't like that the only secular people in the film were the characters of escaped convicts, with bad manners and little culture, setting up a conflict between the small-minded members of the neighborhood and these lowlifes. It misses what could have been an opportunity to show the warmth, caring, and open friendliness that these communities display when not threatened. I came into the home of one of these "xenophobic" Jerusalemite families for a Shabbos (Sabbath) meal when I knew very little about religion, and I have yet to meet (after 16 years) more genuinely welcoming and purely kind people. In fact, it was experiences like those that helped me see the "real" Judaism; the proof's in the pudding, as they say.

All criticisms aside, I enjoyed the movie. I can't speak for a secular person, for whom the whole context may be bewildering, but if you can let yourself be taken in, it is heartwarming and sweet, and provides a rare glimpse of what a Jewish Orthodox (at least a Breslov Chassidic) relationship with God is all about.

Delightful Eye-Opener into the Daily Life of a Jewish Couple

[ken558 · 7/10 · 11 July 2015]

For non-Jews, this is a delightful little journey into the daily life of a religious Jewish couple who face the problems, joys and tribulations of any couple anywhere in the world. The movie moves competently and gently between the comedic, dramatic and mild expose of the pluses and minuses of religious orthodoxy (applicable to any religion).

The only thing that, to me, took the movie jarringly off its gentle firm footing is right at the ending where the issues raised are all-too-conveniently resolved in an all-too-made-for- Hallmark romcom ending.

The movie would have left a much more indelible mark if it had taken another ten minutes (which it could well afford to at only 92 mins as it is) to bring a truly well-constructed and believable ending without jeopardizing any of its previous high standards and poignant positivity. Truly a waste the director chose to go the bland romcom way at this very juncture.

Still, strongly recommended.

Miracles happen

[leka66 · 10/10 · 31 October 2004]

The movie gives you a chance to think what are miracles, are they worthed and how much do you have to pay for them.

The Bellangas live in deep poverty. They are so poor that they have nothing to eat, and they cannot buy anything for the coming festival of Succot.They are also waiting more than 5 years for a child. But a miracle happens and they get 1000$ and a Succah.

However, 2 former friends, who are escaping criminals come as guests for the holiday. The Bellangas will have to pass a trial of hospitality before the movie ends.

I really enjoyed the movie which gave me plenty of things to think about. Are we really important in this world? What are our daily trials? How do we face them?

The views of an atheist

[bandw · 7/10 · 4 December 2011]

I started questioning the idea of god as early as nine and have been an atheist since that time. Given that, I have spent no small amount of time trying to understand the role that the concept of god plays in the lives of others. That is one of the reasons I watched this movie about an Orthodox Jewish couple (Moshe and Mali) and their celebrating the Succoth Holiday. I had never heard of that holiday, so you see I at least learned something.

I can hardly imagine an outlook more out of phase with mine that what is presented in this movie. Moshe and Mali filter almost every event in their lives through their concept of god. It has always puzzled me why people agonize endlessly about what god wants them to do. While I have seen this in many of my friends, the quality of the appeal to god is of industrial strength among these people. I just wish there could be some more direct line of communication so that there was not so much anxiety and induced guilt over the matter.

The province of the moral dilemmas presented here are not the exclusive province of the religious. Certainly in my life I have been challenged by how accepting to be of unwelcome social situations. I fall short of Mosche and Mali, but I recognize that the choices I am making are moral ones. I try. I am impressed with people making moral choices independently of religious guidelines. The desire for absolution from transgressions, like the stealing of the succah here, is pretty much universal. It goes both ways, forgiving is often very difficult. And the theme of redemption, like that of the prisoners, is a common one in movies (even though I question just how long their new found faith will last).

One problem I have with this movie is the strong message that you will get what you pray for. I have not noticed this to be a fact in the lives of my religious friends. Of course, they can always come back with the retort that they did not pray hard enough. Again, what I perceive to be a misconception of a link between prayer and results causes much grief (Why is God denying me? Is my faith not strong enough?).

I did enjoy the movie and found humor in many scenes, like the scenes with the escapees gorging themselves and fighting over the last piece of meat while Moshe and Mali looked on. The exchange of glances between the husband and wife were touching. The fact that someone would pay over $200 for a lemon I found poignant and, from my perspective, a little humorous. But the things that people find of value are highly dependent on culture. I am sure that these people would find many of my purchases peculiar to the point of being humorous or even incomprehensible or contemptible.

I got a glimpse into a people that I had known very little about. I don't doubt that I missed a lot and probably misinterpreted a lot, but altogether this was a worthwhile experience for me.

Idealized but moving

[phang · 9/10 · 20 November 2005]

For someone unfamiliar with the culture, Ushpizin may be like visiting another planet full of strange people, unfamiliar rules, and absolutely opposite priorities. It quickly becomes a human fable with which all of us can connect deeply, however: the blessings and curses that come with wishes that are granted, the confusion of figuring out how the big picture will play out in our smallest choices, the warmth and pressure of belonging to a wider community of similarly confused and agitated people.

Some of the characters border on lovable stereotypes, and the picture painted is of a world in which good is absolutely guaranteed to conquer evil, but it is nonetheless believable and suspenseful. You really should see it.

-

[user-18-491492 · 7/10 · 3 June 2014]

After watching Ushpizin, I was able to see how Orthodox Jews live and learn some of their customs. The Jewish couple in this film, Moshe and Mali, is experiencing a lot of problems because they don't have enough money for a sukkah or food, and are unable to conceive a child. Luckily (or seemingly lucky) money, a sukkah, and visitors soon come their way. Soon Moshe's friends from the past give the couple a new set of problems to deal with. I thought the film was very interesting as someone who didn't really know anything about this religion. It was very educational for me, in terms of not only the daily lives of Orthodox Jews, but also their traditions and festivals, specifically Sukkot. Every action and decision is related to God. The couple is constantly concerned with whether God is punishing or helping them. This devotion and reliance on God gave humor to the movie, like how the couple was so happy to have guests, yet they were eating all their food and bossing them around. Even though I couldn't really relate to the characters' religious background, I still felt for the couple as Moshe's old friends complicated their lives. Although I'm still wondering about what exactly happened to the visitors in the end. Overall, the movie was not only enjoyable plot-wise, but also educational.

Go and see

[shaid · 8/10 · 9 February 2005]

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* This film works on all levels. Characters we care for. A compelling story and location which is strange to most of cinema goers. It works because the script is good and keep all characters in balance and because the acting is dead on from all actors involve. You have to accept the fact that faith is an important factor in religious' people life. They can go through life solely on the belief that they will be rewarded for the good deeds they have done in their life and that they believe that someone up there is watching them and judge them according to what they do or did. That belief is the core of the film and the actors portray it well.

Recommended by all means.

Waiting for a miracle...

[Galina_movie_fan · 8/10 · 30 January 2006]

This comedy which received Best Picture award from Israeli Critics in 2004 reveals a world that most of us don't know at all – the world of pious, ultra-Orthodox Jews in the Jerusalem courtyards that seem to be indifferent to what century or even millennium is passing by. On the eve of the Jewish harvest holiday of Succoth, Moshe and Mali, a devoutly religious but impoverished couple, pray fervently for a miracle that they desperately need – for money they need to build a Sukkah for holiday, for "ushpizin" ("holy guests") to share the holiday with, and for the most wonderful miracle of all, for a child they dream of but don't have. A series of unexpected events occur, including the appearance of two "unholy guests" – two escaped parolees from Moshe's wild past. Moshe and Mali invited the guests to share the holiday with them, and more unpredictable events would follow...

"Ushpizin" is the first collaborative effort between Israel's religious and secular communities and it features many non-professionals who gave very good performances in the movie. Shuli Rand, the writer-star of the movie and his real life wife, Michal Bat-Sheva Rand played Moshe and Mali, and their chemistry is palpable and real contributing to this thoroughly charming story of faith, love, and devotion.

A film that is supposed to bridge the gap between the ultra orthodox and the secular fails.

[attarnie · 4/10 · 21 November 2005]

The acting in this small Israeli film is quite good. The story is really a fairy tale about the power of prayer to change life. It is also about getting what you wish for- it may not be very satisfying. Moishe and his wife pray for money, and they get it; they pray for a Sukkah and they get it (albeit it is "stolen"), they pray for guests to celebrate with, and they get them (albeit uncouth petty criminals); and finally they pray for a son (not a daughter), and they get one.

This film is supposed to be a bridge between the secular and the ultra religious. I would say it it not a bridge at all. It is difficult to understand how a Rebbe approved this script. Does this Rebbe not care about the sanctity of the body? Is there a scene when Moishe is NOT smoking? And his charming, overweight wife also smokes (does she smoke while she is pregnant?).

Perhaps, I am the only one shocked by this behavior. How silly of me to equate "holy people" with healthy living and respect for the body. Moishe and his wife have no food, but "miracle of miracles" they have enough money to buy cigarettes. This film only made me see that these haredi, who do nothing but pray, are useless members of a society. Do they pray for justice? no. Do they pray for an end to poverty? no. Do they pray for an end to occupation? no. Do they pray for peace? no. They pray for themselves. Their world is claustrophobic and filthy. Charity supports their lifestyle. No one seems to work, unless work is building or dismantling a sukkah. How sad. But mostly, how sad that people think this is a "holy" way to live.

The exact opposite of Fable!

[onewhoseesme · 10/10 · 8 May 2010]

This is such a sweetheart of a film! Like many simple honest stories it is both Inspiring and Edifying, and very easy to misunderstand or just miss completely - if you're looking for the sensational, or if you're not one of the Faithful. In the Hebrew Tanakh it is declared by G-d Himself speaking through His prophet that all the gold and all the silver are His. He is the maker of planets and the true King of the Universe, and is not intimidated by our Indifference toward Him or our constant Refusal to give Thanks. He is angered by it, and the Bible says so. Money in itself means nothing to G-d, and only has any value at all because it means something to us. Faith and the giving of Thanks are what please G-d and make us Rich in His eyes.

Thanks for both the life He has given and the continual daily provision for that life is something Adonai has assigned to each of us as one of the most important parts in our dialog with Him. Most of us have failed in speaking our part enough, many have never done it at all.

If there is anything practical that you could take from this film it would be to follow Malli's most excellent example - and cultivate a lifestyle of Thanksgiving. Everyday. As a Christian Minister who is a prophet and teacher in full time ministry - I could not illustrate a better rendering of a life of Praise, in this short but heart warming hour and a half movie. Virtue is on display here as true believers walk out their steps of Faith with a sincere desire to please God and keep His commandments.

I found it both odd and very telling that so much of the commentary here which is secular, mistakes true Faith for fables and plot devices. This is a film about true believers by true believers - the miraculous is what we live in. God is a God who answers prayer, but only for those who let Him be God in their life. Deus ex machina has no relevancy where God is the machine. It is a rare thing, but if there is anywhere in cinema where the belief system of the Unbeliever does not apply - it would be here. Where the Scripture is thought infallible and God the only Reality, to make such comparisons would show only how much the entire point was missed, how much one didn't get it.

Faith is all about what is not seen, if you can see it then it's not Faith. Everything that happens physically is determined spiritually, and most of what we can see of the spiritual on this side is usually very subtle - because God wants us to live by Faith. He doesn't need to know that Faith works, He lives by it Himself - we need to know that our Faith works. If you go looking for the spectacular you'll miss the supernatural, most of which will occur in your Heart (not your blood pump), which is your spirit. I'm so thankful He gives us a lifetime to get good at it, but only if we walk in it. Shalom . .

http://fullgrownministry.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/true-faith/

A film of miracles large and small.

[gpeltz · 10/10 · 7 November 2005]

Ushpizin is an Aramaic word meaning "Guests" It is also the name of a new movie from Israel directed by Giddi Dar, and written by Shuli Rand, who also stars in it, with his wife, Michal Bat-Sheva. This is the second movie I have seen this year dealing with miracles. The first one was from England, and was called, "Millions" It told the story of two young brothers, who come across a large amount of money. The younger of the two, fancied himself to be able to talk with the Saints. It was a terrific movie, that never hit the mainstream audiences, and disappeared shortly after it's release. If you have the ability to rent it as a DVD, I would recommend it. I fear that Ushpizin may share the same fate, and that would be a shame, because this is a wonderful film.

The e-mail from my friend alerted me of it, It was a link to, "Ushpizin.com" There I saw the trailer for the movie. Normally I would not need to mention that the friend who sent me the message was not Jewish. In this case I feel it significant, because he wanted to see the movie with me. The movie is playing in only one theater in Orange County, fortunately it is close enough to where we live.

I had my concerns going in to see it, Ushpizin is after all, a movie that takes one into a culture very alien to our California lifestyle. A Hassidic community in modern day Jerusalem serves as the backdrop, yet like all good stories, well told, it sweeps the viewer up with it's characters, and tells a tale that is ultimately universal in it's message. My friend did not need to know about the Jewish celebration of "Succos" that served as catalyst for the actions that takes place. A quick note during the titles tells one all that is needed to be known to enjoy the story.

During the seven day holiday, it is an honor to invite guests to partake of ones hospitality. Moshe played by Shuli Rand, and his barren wife Malli, played by Shuli's real wife, Michal Bat-Sheva, are a poor, but devout couple. Moshe is a good and honest man, but times are hard, and the two have to scrimp to get by. Their real troubles begin, when a friend from Moshe's past, a ne'er-do-well named Eliyahu Scorpio, played by Shaul Mizrahi, and his shady friend, Yossef played by Llan Ganani come to visit. They remain the duration of the holiday, challenging Moshe's strength, his commitment to live his new life, and his faith, that bids him to welcome the stranger and guests, even the unpleasant ones, as his Patriarch, Abraham did in his day.

I said this was a film of miracles, there are several, yet there is no parting of the red sea, nor is there any need for CGI effects, The goings on in this story are closely bound by the elements of chance, grounded in reality, yet the manner which the events of the film take place indicate an unseen hand guiding the events. The movie can be enjoyed as a fable, or a document of faith, a simple story well acted, or a profound look at the nature of goodness, My friends enjoyed it, and I came away from it uplifted, and wanting to see it again.