Watch Red Leaves

Red Leaves is a poignant drama film that was released in 2014. The storyline centers on Meseganio Tadelo, an Israeli man of Ethiopian descent who is a sixty-three year old devout Ethiopian Jew. The movie is based on the struggles and challenges that Meseganio faces in a world that is not easy for him to navigate. The main character has spent his entire life in Tel Aviv, and he feels that he has struggled hard to become a full participant in Israeli society.

One day, Meseganio's wife announces that she wants to sell their home in Tel Aviv and move to an Ethiopian village in the countryside. Meseganio is furious about this decision, and he refuses to go along with it. He initially tries to convince his wife to stay, but she is determined to move. Meseganio is left with no other option but to follow his wife and family to the village.

Once they arrive in the village, Meseganio is shocked to find that life is very different from what he is used to. The people in the village live a simple life, and they have different customs and values from what he is used to. The main character is elderly, and he feels like an outsider in the village, struggling to find his place in this new world.

As the story progresses, Meseganio encounters other challenges. There are moments where his beliefs are tested, and he is forced to confront difficult truths about his life. This journey of self-discovery forces him to question his beliefs and values, leading to a transformational experience. Along the way, he meets new people and discovers that there is beauty in the world around him.

The movie does an excellent job at portraying the culture and experiences of Ethiopian Jews in Israel. It is a poignant and powerful film that offers a unique perspective on the struggles of living between two different worlds. Despite being filmed in Hebrew, the movie offers both English and French subtitles.

The performances in the film are exceptional, particularly that of Ruti Asarsai who plays the main character's wife. Her character is strong-willed and determined, and Asarsai provides a nuanced and authentic performance that brings her character to life. Debebe Eshetu who plays Meseganio's son also delivers a noteworthy performance.

The movie has been praised for its portrayal of the cultural clash that occurs when people from different backgrounds come together, and its sense of universal understanding that emerges from it. It has won several awards throughout its career, including the Best Screenplay Award at the Haifa International Film Festival. The movie has also been lauded for its unique cinematography, which creates a sense of immersion into the world of Ethiopian Jewish people.

In conclusion, Red Leaves is a must-watch film for those who appreciate drama and cultural cinema. It tells a human story that is engaging and relatable, while also offering a unique perspective on life as an Ethiopian Jew in Israel. The central character's journey towards self-discovery is both touching and inspiring, and the movie leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.

Red Leaves is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.