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Menashe is a 2017 drama film written and directed by Joshua Z Weinstein. The film follows the story of Menashe, a Hasidic Jew living in Brooklyn who struggles to raise his son alone after his wife passes away. Menashe is a deeply religious man who is devoted to his faith and his community, but he is also plagued by personal demons that threaten to tear his life apart.

The film is set in the heart of Brooklyn's Hasidic Jewish community, where Menashe works as a grocery store clerk. He is a simple man with a big heart, but he struggles to fit in with the strict rules and traditions of his community. Menashe's life takes a dramatic turn when he is informed by the community's rabbi that his son Rieven must live with his brother-in-law until Menashe remarries. This is due to the belief that a child cannot be raised by a single parent.

Menashe is heartbroken at the thought of being separated from his son, but he also knows that he is not ready to remarry yet. He makes a deal with the rabbi that he will remarry if he can prove that he is capable of raising his son on his own. The rabbi agrees, but Menashe only has a week to prove himself.

The film explores the difficulties of being a single parent and the challenges of living in a strict, traditional community. Menashe's attempts to prove himself to the rabbi and his community are both touching and heartbreaking. He tries to balance his religious beliefs with his love for his son, but he also struggles with his own demons, including a gambling addiction and a strained relationship with his late wife's family.

The film is shot entirely in Yiddish, which adds to its authenticity and gives viewers a unique glimpse into the culture and traditions of the Hasidic Jewish community. The film also features a talented cast of non-professional actors, including Menashe Lustig in the lead role. Lustig, a Hasidic comedian and actor, brings a raw and authentic performance to the role of Menashe, making the character both sympathetic and relatable.

One of the standout performances in the film is from Ariel Vaysman, who plays the role of Eizik, Menashe's boss at the grocery store. Eizik is a complex and nuanced character who serves as a foil to Menashe. While Menashe struggles to fit in with the community, Eizik has fully embraced the traditions and beliefs of his culture. The dynamic between the two characters adds depth and complexity to the film, and Vaysman's performance is both subtle and powerful.

Menashe's relationship with his wife's family is also a major theme in the film. He has a strained and complicated relationship with his late wife's brother, who is a prominent member of the community. Menashe's attempts to reconcile with his brother-in-law are both heart-wrenching and nuanced, exploring the complexities of family relationships and forgiveness.

Overall, Menashe is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique and authentic glimpse into the lives of Hasidic Jews living in Brooklyn. The film's raw and honest portrayal of its characters and their struggles make it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of faith, family, and tradition.

Menashe is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 81.