Ushpizin
Comedy,
ReligionRafi Bukaee,
Gidi Dar
Shmuel Ovadia,
Yizhak Levkovits,
Daniel Rand,
Michael Vaigel,
Daniel Dayan,
Yonathan Danino,
Avraham Abutboul,
Ilan Ganani,
Shaul Mizrahi,
Michal Bat-Sheva Rand,
Shuli Rand
Synopsis
Moshe and Malli, an ultra-Orthodox couple living in Jerusalem, are broke and childless on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. After desperately praying for help, a miracle happens and the couple accidentally receives a charitable donation. Simultaneously, Moshe and his wife are also the recipients of two ushpizin, or holy guests; two escaped convicts whose unwholesome behavior puts Moshe and Malli’s faith to the ultimate test.
Ushpizin is a humorous folktale that bridges the gap between religious and secular Jews. Screenwriter and star, Shuli Rand,; a once successful Israeli movie star turned baal teshuvah, and director Gidi Dar work together to expose the often hidden traditions of the ultra-Orthodox community.
Awards
Wins
2004, Best Actor: Shuli Rand, Awards of the Israeli Film Academy
Nominations
2004, Best Screenplay: Shuli Rand, Awards of the Israeli Film Academy2004, Best Supporting Actor: Shaul Mizrahi, Awards of the Israeli Film Academy
Articles & Interviews
"The ultra-Orthodox Jewish community of Jerusalem is not the obvious setting for an amiable, undemanding, feelgood yarn - but that is what's on offer here." - Peter Bradshaw, Ushpizin. The Guardian, March 17, 2006."There are truly funny moments but director Gidi Dar still treats Judaism with great respect." - Jamie Woolley, Ushpizin. BBC, March 13, 2006.
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