Awards
Academy Awards 1973
Best Foreign Language Film (Israel), NominationCannes Film Festival 1972
Golden Palm, Nomination
Jerusalem’s Orthodox community at the turn of the 20th century is the setting for this now-classic film about the life of a young Sephardic widow. Under Levirate law, as delineated in the Book of Deuteronomy, Nissim has the duty and obligation to marry his brother's spouse on the death of his brother. Nissim is very fond of Rosa, and grows to love her. However, he is only eleven, and newly single Rosa is not interested in either child-rearing or remarriage, so she shoos him away.Quite a few years later, Nissim comes back with marriage in mind. Their conflicts and growing love resolve in a satisfying conclusion. Based on the life of director Mizrachi’s mother, the film addresses the implications of ancient religious tradition on modern life, particularly for women’s rights.
"I highly recommend this tender, exquisitely sensitive love fable, the best Israeli film I have ever seen... Mizrahi achieves a rare purity."
- Donald Mayerson, Cue" ... Mr. Mizrahi's polished handling of his cast and subject makes them come alive in a simple, subdued, and knowledgeable portrait."
- A.H. Weiler, New York Times
The National Center For Jewish Film
Brandeis University, Lown 102, MS053, Waltham MA 02454
P: (781) 899 7044, F: (781) 736 2070
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