Watch Yom Yom

Yom Yom is a 1998 Israeli film, directed by renowned filmmaker Amos Gitai. The film is set in the city of Haifa, and it explores the lives of various characters who are all connected to each other. The movie stars Moshe Ivgy, Hanna Maron, and Juliano Mer-Khamis in the lead roles. The film's title, 'Yom Yom', which translates to 'Day by Day', encapsulates the film's central theme, which is the daily struggles of the characters. The film primarily revolves around Moshe, who is a Jewish used car dealer in Haifa. Moshe is a middle-aged man who is constantly on the lookout for ways to earn more money. His wife, Didi, is an artist who creates sculptures from scrap metal. She is also the breadwinner of the family, while Moshe spends most of his days drinking and gambling.

One of the key subplots of the film centers around Moshe's relationship with his Arab car mechanic, Hassan. Hassan is a Palestinian, who is struggling to make ends meet in a society that discriminates against him. Despite their cultural differences, Moshe and Hassan share a close bond, and their scenes together form some of the film's most poignant moments.

Another dominant storyline in the movie is the relationship between Moshe and his father, Yussuf. Yussuf is, by all accounts, a traditional Jewish patriarch, who disapproves of Moshe's reckless behavior. The interactions between Moshe and Yussuf are laced with tension, and the film uses this relationship to explore themes of generational divides and social prejudice.

Yom Yom is not just a film about the complexities of relationships, but it is also a film that explores the political situation in Israel. The film is set in the late 1990s, which was a tumultuous period in Israeli history, marked by the Oslo Accords and the subsequent assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The film utilizes this backdrop to explore the themes of ethnic conflict, discrimination, and violence that continue to plague Israeli society.

The film's cinematography is notable for its use of long takes and static shots, which give the film a documentary-like feel. Director Amos Gitai is known for his realist approach to filmmaking, and Yom Yom is no exception. The film's look and feel are austere, yet very effective in conveying the gritty reality of life in Israel.

The film's lead actors all deliver excellent performances. Moshe Ivgy, who plays the protagonist Moshe, perfectly captures the character's frustration and desperation. Hanna Maron, who plays Didi, brings a sense of depth and nuance to her character, which is crucial in a film that explores themes of gender and power dynamics. Juliano Mer-Khamis, who plays Hassan, is also fantastic, imbuing his character with a sense of quiet dignity that makes him one of the most sympathetic characters in the film.

Despite the heavy subject matter of the film, Yom Yom does have moments of levity and humor, which serve to humanize the characters and remind us that they are not just symbols of broader societal issues. The film's ending, while not giving away any spoilers, is both surprising and satisfying, providing a sense of closure to the various storylines.

In conclusion, Yom Yom is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of Israeli society. Through its nuanced characters and gritty realism, it highlights the struggles and conflicts that continue to shape the country's history. The film's themes of ethnic conflict, discrimination, and violence are as relevant today as they were when the film was first released, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in Israeli cinema and society.

Yom Yom is a 2001 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 70.