Menashe (HBO)

About Menashe (HBO)

"Menashe" (2017) is a drama film, directed by Joshua Z Weinstein and released by HBO. The movie is primarily in Yiddish and offers unparalleled insights into the life and culture of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish Community in Brooklyn, New York. The plot revolves around Menashe, a recent widower, who struggles between religious tradition and the love for his young son.

Making / Production

The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of the leading actor Menashe Lustig. Director Joshua Z Weinstein took special efforts to authentically portray the Hassidic culture in the movie. Due to the community's aversion to films and television, the production team faced various challenges while filming, and thus much of the movie was shot secretly to overcome this barrier.

Actors

• Menashe Lustig as Menashe: He plays the main character, a simple, heartfelt man struggling to maintain his dignity and parental rights within his community.
• Ruben Niborski as Rieven: This young actor gives a heartwarming performance as Menashe's son caught between traditional expectations and his love for his father.
• Yoel Weisshaus as Eizik: As Menashe's brother-in-law, he provides a stark counterpoint to Menashe's struggle to maintain his family against the community's stringent traditions.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is mainly in Yiddish, a language which isn't commonly used in contemporary cinema.
• Most of the film was shot secretly because of the community's aversion to media.
• It is inspired by the real-life events of the leading actor, Menashe Lustig.

Quotes

• "People think I have nothing to think about. But I think about everything."
• "Where God reigns, there is no sadness."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Aaron Martin and Dag Rosenqvist.
• The soundtrack perfectly complements the film's raw, almost documentary-like feel, adding to the emotional depth of Menashe's journey.

Awards

Despite its non-mainstream approach and subject matter, "Menashe" received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and authentic portrayal of a rarely seen culture.