Watch SuperTex

SuperTex is a British drama film from 2003 that tells the story of a young man named Leon (played by Stephen Mangan), who inherits his father's successful business in London's textile industry. Despite being uninterested in the family trade, Leon decides to keep the company afloat while trying to find his own way. One day, Leon receives a letter from an Israeli uncle he never knew he had, Moshe (played by Jan Decleir), inviting him to visit him in Tel Aviv. Leon decides to accept the invitation, hoping to learn more about his family heritage and possibly find some new inspiration for his struggling business.

Upon arriving in Israel, Leon discovers that Moshe is running his own textile factory in the heart of the city's industrial zone. The two men couldn't be more different from each other - Leon is quiet, reserved, and unsure of himself, while Moshe is loud, passionate, and fiercely independent.

Despite their differences, the two men slowly begin to bond over their shared love of textiles and their shared fear of failing in business. Moshe teaches Leon about the history of the Israeli textile industry and encourages him to take risks and be more innovative in his approach.

However, Leon's new passion for his business is complicated by a budding romance with Moshe's young and beautiful assistant, Maya (played by Keren Berger). Maya and Leon's relationship adds a layer of tension to the story as Leon tries to balance his desires with his responsibilities towards his family business.

Throughout the film, Leon is also forced to confront the darker side of the textile industry and the consequences of his family's success. He meets with a group of Palestinian workers who are fighting for better working conditions and wages, and he witnesses firsthand the exploitation of cheap labor in the industry.

SuperTex is a film about family, heritage, and the pursuit of success. Stephen Mangan delivers a nuanced and understated performance as Leon, while Jan Decleir steals the show with his boisterous and charismatic turn as Moshe. The film's gorgeous cinematography captures the bustling energy of Tel Aviv and the beauty of the textiles being produced.

The film is also notable for its exploration of complex political issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the exploitation of foreign workers in the textile industry. These themes are handled with sensitivity and nuance, making SuperTex a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film.

Overall, SuperTex is a touching and engaging drama that will appeal to fans of character-driven storytelling and socially aware cinema. Its themes of family, legacy, and the search for purpose are universal, making it a film that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.