Watch My Father My Lord

My Father My Lord is a 2007 Israeli drama film directed and written by David Volach. The film follows the story of an ultra-Orthodox rabbi named Abraham Eidelmann, played by Assi Dayan, who lives with his wife, Esther (Sharon Hacohen) and their only child, Menachem (Ilan Griff) in a small, devoutly religious community in Jerusalem. The film opens by showing Menachem's daily routine, which consists of learning the Torah and attending religious classes with his father. Menachem has a close relationship with his father, and Abraham is determined to raise him to be a devout and righteous man.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Menachem's world is very sheltered. He is not exposed to anything outside of his religious community and he does not have any friends his own age. Abraham is so focused on Menachem's religious education that he has little time for anything else.

The conflicts in the film arise when Menachem begins to show an interest in the world outside of his community. He becomes fascinated with a group of street performers who come to town, and he starts to explore the city with his father's permission. Abraham becomes worried that Menachem is becoming too curious about the world, and he begins to restrict his son's activities even further.

However, things come to a head when Menachem has a tragic accident while swimming that leads to a profound and irreversible loss. The event shakes Abraham's faith, making him question the rules and regulations that have guided his life so far. The film follows Abraham's internal struggle as he tries to come to grips with what has happened and ultimately finds a way to move forward.

My Father My Lord is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking film that tackles themes of faith, family, and the struggle to reconcile oneself with tragedy. It has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of the ultra-Orthodox community and its ability to depict the various conflicts and tensions within it.

One of the strengths of the film is its use of imagery and symbolism. For example, there is a recurring motif of water throughout the film, which is used to represent the cleansing and rejuvenating power of God. This is contrasted with scenes of dust and dirt, which symbolize the spiritual pollution that can result from living in a world that is incompatible with one's beliefs.

The film is also notable for its performances. Assi Dayan is particularly outstanding as the conflicted and tormented Abraham. He does an excellent job of conveying the character's anguish and inner turmoil, making his journey all the more poignant.

Overall, My Father My Lord is a beautifully crafted and emotionally powerful film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of faith and the human experience.

My Father My Lord is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.