Menashe (Eng Sub)

About Menashe (Eng Sub)

"Menashe," released in 2017 with English subtitles, is a Yiddish-language film directed by Joshua Z Weinstein. This drama set within Brooklyn's ultra-Orthodox Jewish community offers a rare look at a tightly cloistered population. The story revolves around Menashe, a kind yet hapless supermarket clerk, as he struggles to maintain his faith, raise his son Rieven and cope with the death of his wife.

Making / Production

Widely praised for its authentic depiction of Brooklyn's Hasidic community, "Menashe" was shot entirely in secret over the course of two years. Most of the dialogues were in Yiddish language, making it one of the unique modern-day productions to do so. The director, Joshua Z. Weinstein, is an accomplished documentary filmmaker who approached this narrative feature with the same observational style.

Actors

• Menashe Lustig as Menashe: Menashe Lustig excellently portrayed the character of a loving, yet struggling father. Being from the Hasidic community himself, he was able to bring authenticity to his character.
• Ruben Niborski as Rieven: Ruben Niborski, playing Menashe's young son, brings both heart and wisdom to his role beyond his years.
• Yoel Weisshaus as the Rabbi: Played by Yoel Weisshaus, the Rabbi character offered a stern yet understanding face to religious authority.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Almost the entire cast is composed of non-professional actors from the Hasidic Jewish community.
• The film was inspired by Menashe Lustig's real life.
• This film is one of the few contemporary films entirely in the Yiddish language.

Quotes

• "God does not answer when you want, he answers when you need."
• "In life, it is not about what you love; it is about what is right."
• "I am not foolish, just made some mistakes."

Music, Soundtrack

• The soulful and evocative score of "Menashe" is composed by Aaron Martin and Dag Rosenqvist.