Watch Footnote

Footnote is an Israeli dramatic comedy movie directed by Joseph Cedar and was released in theatres on May 25, 2011. The movie stars Shlomo Bar-Aba, Lior Ashkenazi, Aliza Rosen and other notable actors from Israel. Footnote is a character-driven movie that tells the story of a father and son, both of whom are professors at the same University.

The movie revolves around the lives of Eliezer Shkolnik (Shlomo Bar-Aba), a Talmudic Studies professor and his son, Uriel Shkolnik (Lior Ashkenazi), a professor of Hebrew Literature. The two have a rocky relationship, and they are not on speaking terms for most of the movie. Eliezer has dedicated his entire life to a niche area of Talmudic research that has earned him great respect in the academic community. However, he has never been recognized with prestigious awards, and he has always felt like he is living in the shadow of his more successful colleagues.

On the other hand, Uriel is a popular professor who is well-liked by his students and colleagues. He has published several books, and his research is held in high regard. Uriel has always felt that he has not received his father's approval, especially since Eliezer never made much of an effort to attend any of his son's lectures or acknowledge his achievements.

Everything changes when the University announces the recipients of the prestigious Israel Prize, which Eliezer has been hoping to win for years. However, to Eliezer's shock and Uriel's excitement, the prize is awarded to Uriel instead. The announcement sets off a chain of events that forces the two professors to confront their differences and examine their relationships with each other.

Throughout the movie, Footnote explores themes of family, legacy, ambition, and jealousy. Each character is portrayed in a realistic and relatable way, and the audience is drawn into their individual struggles. The movie does a great job of capturing the tension and competitiveness that often exist in academic circles, especially when it comes to prestigious awards.

One of the standout features of Footnote is its use of visual storytelling. The movie incorporates visual cues and symbols that help to underscore its themes and plot points. For example, at the start of the movie, Eliezer is seen walking with crutches, which symbolizes the weight of his research on his physical and emotional well-being. Later on, Uriel is seen walking around with a flashy new pair of shoes, which symbolizes his newfound success and confidence.

The setting of Footnote is also noteworthy. The movie is set in Jerusalem, and the city serves as a backdrop for many of the film's scenes. Cedar does a great job of showcasing the unique architecture and streetscapes of the ancient city, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the movie's overall atmosphere.

In terms of performances, the actors in Footnote are all exceptional. Shlomo Bar-Aba gives an outstanding performance as Eliezer, bringing to life the character's bitterness and disappointment at being overlooked for so long. Lior Ashkenazi is equally impressive as Uriel, portraying his character's ambition and arrogance with nuance and subtlety. Other actors like Aliza Rosen and Micah Lewesohn also give standout performances in supporting roles.

Overall, Footnote is a well-crafted and thought-provoking movie that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. The film's exploration of family dynamics and academic rivalry is universal, and it is told in a way that is both engaging and meaningful. If you enjoy character-driven dramas and dark comedies, then Footnote is definitely worth checking out.

Footnote is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 83.