Toronto

An interesting story, very cleverly and entertainingly told.

This film isn't about religion though the father and the son are in the same field of religious studies. This is a film about more general concepts: Father and son relationships and Rivalry. It is well rendered by both main actors. The quest for recognition in scolar milieu is also well depicted.

A great pull on your emotions. Disturbing, in fact, and upsetting. The son and [...] the father have a strange relationship, almost devoid of emotion at times and then totally envolved and a rollercoster of emotions. An autistic like father, showing no emotion most of the time.

Achingly slow, long, boring and weak story line. A real snooze-fest so bring your blanket and pillow.

A very long film and boring. I fell asleep twice while watching it.

This is a brilliant bittersweet satire, a commentary on father-son relationships, academic rivalry and rigidity, the state of the State of Israel. It debates values such as 'truth' vs 'family', and does it with wry observation, intense outbursts, detached commentary and hilarious episodes reminiscent of the Marx Brothers. It hits on many levels: psychological, spiritual, and the changing world-as-is. There are no cliches! A wonderful piece of work.

A very thoughtful and creative film about complex family relationships. It had a little bit of humour at the right moments and a lot of depth, leaving the viewer with a lot to think about. A very refreshing film, given what's out there these days.

Disappointed. Too long, and lack of focus.

Also interesting is to see the perception of female in that culture. The women were represented just slightly above the level of background furniture. Any culture that does not honor womanhood at least as manhood is primitive. Time to wake up!!!

It would surprise no-one if the country of Israel put out a political film. Well they have and this is it. Except it's not about international politics. It's about internal politics, the politics of a consortium of intellectuals who are either brilliant or are excessively pedantic. Although the topics of their research are the Hebrew holy books, religion plays no part in this film. The principle sparring partners are a dutiful rising-star son and his past-his-prime papa. The film has layers of depth, almost all of which give us an opportunity to see and laugh at ourselves if we choose to do so. Be assured, though, that the role of a Jewish mother is in no way diminished.

This movie was too long, slow, boring and depressing. The relationship between son and father so strange, no love, no respect, as if they hated each other! The father is one of the unhappiest people I've ever seen. This could have been a very good comedy instead; bring the family together, respect each other's ideas and be an example to the next generation. I wish I have not seen it.

A must see for people who like thought-provoking, psychologically and intellectually stimulating movies. It doesn't follow the Hollywood structure, so it will appear slow. However this is off-set by the intense father-son relationship, treated in a way I have never seen in films. The open-ended finale will leave many perplexed, but it's up to the viewer to make their own interpretation of the moral dilemma at stake.

It was good but a bit too slow. Really great acting. For all of their study of the Talmud I thought there was a moral issue here. And did they, the son and father live up to that moral obligation.

Note: User reviews posted on this page are personal opinions of our readers. We are not responsible for their content.