Watch Magic Men
- 2014
- 1 hr 38 min
-
6.9 (228)
Magic Men is a 2014 Greek-Israeli drama film directed by Guy Nattiv and Erez Tadmor. The film centers around the journey of Avraham (Vangelis Mourikis), a Greek immigrant in Israel, who embarks on an unexpected road trip with his estranged son, Yehuda (Zohar Strauss), and his granddaughter, Camilla (Ariane Labed), after receiving a letter from a former friend.
The movie opens with Avraham, an aging magician who performs under the name the Great Kaplon, struggling to make ends meet. After getting into a heated argument with his son, Yehuda, Avraham receives a letter from a man named Victor, a former friend and fellow magician who he has not seen in over 50 years. Victor invites Avraham to come to Greece to perform at his theater, and also reveals that he has something to give him.
Avraham, eager for the chance to reconnect with his old friend, convinces Yehuda to accompany him on the road trip to Greece. Yehuda, however, is less enthusiastic about the journey, as he and his father have been estranged for many years. The tension between father and son is palpable, as Yehuda is bitter about his past and resentful of his father's neglect. Camilla, Yehuda's daughter, serves as a buffer between the two men.
As the trio makes their way through Greece, they encounter various obstacles and challenges along the way. They face language barriers, cultural differences, and strained relationships. Along the journey, they meet other characters, who add to the richness of the story. They also discover secrets, make confessions, and confront old grudges.
One of the central themes of the movie is the relationship between fathers and sons. As Avraham and Yehuda travel together, they are forced to confront the issues that have kept them apart for so many years. They reveal their fears, regrets, and disappointments, and begin to develop a deeper understanding of each other.
Another central theme is the power of magic and illusion. Throughout the film, magic tricks are used to mask reality, to distract and deceive, to mystify and entertain. But as the journey progresses, the characters begin to see through the illusion and confront the truth directly.
The movie is beautifully shot, featuring stunning landscapes and vibrant colors. The script is poignant, with moments of humor, tenderness, and sadness. The performances are outstanding, particularly that of Vangelis Mourikis, who captures the essence of a man struggling to come to terms with his past while facing an uncertain future. Ariane Labed is also superb, giving a nuanced performance as a young woman searching for her identity while trying to navigate the complexities of family relationships. Zohar Strauss delivers a convincing portrayal of a man riddled with bitterness and resentment, who gradually learns to forgive and embrace his father.
Magic Men is an engaging, thought-provoking movie, which explores themes of family, identity, regret, and redemption. It is a testament to the power of cinema to transport us to other worlds, to make us see things differently, and to remind us of what is truly important in life.
Magic Men is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.