Watch Saint Clara

Saint Clara is a 1996 Israeli film, directed by Ari Folman. It is a story of love, hope, and faith that centers around Clara, a 16-year-old girl who lives in a small town in Israel. The film captures the essence of adolescence in a manner that is both poignant and relatable. The story is set in the early 1990s, during the First Gulf War. Clara is an imaginative and creative teenager, with a great sense of humor. She is a devout Catholic who has a deep faith in God and the power of prayer. Her parents, who are immigrants from the former Soviet Union, pressure her to focus on school and ignore her spiritual beliefs.

Clara is in love with Lorenzo, a boy who is completely out of her league. He is a popular jock who doesn't even know that she exists. Clara's best friend, Shirli, encourages her to confess her love to Lorenzo and make a move. But Clara is hesitant, fearing that she will be rejected.

One day, Clara has a vision of Jesus in her school's bathroom. From that day on, she becomes convinced that she has been blessed by God and that Lorenzo is meant to be her soulmate. She begins to pray fervently for Lorenzo's love, hoping that her prayers will be answered.

Meanwhile, her mother is diagnosed with cancer, which adds an extra layer of stress to Clara's life. She is torn between her love for Lorenzo and the need to be there for her family. Despite the challenges in her life, Clara remains resilient and determined to make her dreams come true.

The film's stunning cinematography captures the beauty of Israel's landscapes, juxtaposing them with the harsh realities of war. The soundtrack features traditional Jewish and Catholic music, adding to the film's spiritual themes.

Lucy Dubinchik does an excellent job in portraying Clara's innocence, vulnerability, and strength. Halil Elohev gives a convincing performance as Lorenzo, capturing the anxiety and confusion of a teenage boy in love. Johnny Peterson, who plays Clara's friend Shirli, provides comic relief and adds a sense of lightness to the film.

The movie Saint Clara explores themes of faith, love, family, and social expectations. It is a touching and reflective journey through the life of a young girl who finds solace in her spiritual beliefs. The plot also touches on issues of assimilation and the struggles faced by immigrant families in Israel.

Overall, Saint Clara is a remarkable film that combines humor, emotion, and spirituality in a unique and captivating way. It is a must-see film for fans of coming-of-age stories and those who enjoy thought-provoking cinema.

Saint Clara is a 1995 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.