All About the Levkoviches is about love, inclusion, and the need to be accepted especially by your family.
It tells the story of a well-meaning but tenacious boxing coach, Tamás, who gets along well with everyone but his own son, Iván, who left the family and moved to Israel to join an orthodox community.
All goes well until Tamás‘ beloved wife, Zsuzsa dies unexpectedly, and Tamás tells his son that he can come and mourn in his house as long as he brings his grandson, Ariel with him. This, however, gives them a chance to settle their old grievances after years of not talking, and also helps Ariel deal with his own grief and his obsession that grandma’s spirit is still in the house.
It is an adroit combination of comedy and drama, and one of the few movies that offers something for everyone. The story, written by Bálint Csaba and director Adam Breier himself, is captivating and gives us a glimpse into the life of the Jewish community in Hungary, and the characters are definitely memorable.
Director Ádám Breier expressed his gratitude for the film’s reception, saying, “We are deeply touched by the number of people watching our film. It’s particularly gratifying that many have told us they’ve seen it multiple times or recommended it to family members,” as quoted in a press release by Mozinet, the film’s distributor.
The film provides a window into the lives of present-day Jews in Hungary, as well as the dilemma for a baal tshuvah (newly Orthodox) man who wants to keep the ties with his secular family.
While Tamás is grieving, the local Orthodox community supports Iván with traditional shiva practices, sensitively explored. There are some tender moments of humour among deeply emotional family scenes.
Zoltán Bezerédi’s Tamás is a wonderfully drawn character and the original grumpy old man, but his heart is in the right place with his care for his estranged son and his grandson. His scenes with Ariel, his grandson are touching, especially when he is teaching him to box.
Tamás Szabó Kimmel’s Iván is torn between orthodoxy, his love for his wife, mother and trying to do the best for his son. The scene when he slaps his son across the face is confronting, but almost understandable.
Leo Gagel’s Ariel is the ‘meat in the sandwich,’ divided between the love for his father and his love for his grandmother. The connection he builds with his grandfather is instrumental in reuniting his father with his grandfather.
All About the Levkoviches teaches us a particularly important lesson, which is that everyone grieves in their own way, whether they are old, young, or deeply religious. Learning to respect this is not always easy, but it has the power to mend broken relationships.
‘Fake news’ is a term we are all too familiar with. However, it was not invented by one of the candidates in the current USA elections. Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda in Adolph Hitler’s ministry of war was a master of fake news long before the immediate past president of the United States of America!
Führer and Seducer deconstructs Goebbels’ evil propaganda machine and reveals how he created the images, speeches and films that form the frame of reference when discussing the Third Reich. It is a powerful insight into historic events and how they parallel today’s ‘fake news’ landscape.
It’s 1938. Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, is at the peak of his power, while Hitler is celebrated by the people. But the dictator is marching resolutely towards war, and propaganda up to now has promised peace.
Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, accompanies Hitler during the seven years from the “Anschluss” of Austria in March 1938 to the murder and suicide in the Führerbunker in May 1945.
Goebbels is the creator of the pictures of loyal crowds and of the anti-Semitic films “Jud Süß” and “Der ewige Jude”, that ready the Germans for the mass murder of the Jews. After the defeat at Stalingrad and the situation worsening to the point of hopeless in late 1944, Goebbels plans the most radical propaganda act, his last hoorah – Hitler’s suicide, the murder of his family, and his own suicide.
Original propaganda footage is mixed with making-of scenes and juxtaposed with fictional private scenes. First-person Holocaust survivor testimony punctuates the drama while, in a final coup de grace, we are shown footage of actual shootings, hangings and other Nazi atrocities.
Director and writer Joachim Lang’s gives us remarkable attention to detail – make-up, lighting and clever editing. His film recreates and deconstructs the original Nazi propaganda – and its mastermind.
His Goebbels enjoys the challenge of maintaining poll ratings despite Hitler’s mind wandering and garbled speeches and policies. Repetitive messages of hate and fear, Goebbels could be talking about today’s small-screen social media when he likens propaganda to a painting: “It’s not the size that counts but the emotional impact.”
Robert Stadlober’s Goebbels is a mixture of manipulation for his own sake and a misguided vision of a Jewish free Germany. He is riveting to watch as he attempts to manipulate all around him, until there is no other remedy but death.
Fritz Karl’s Adolph Hitler is portrayed as a troubled soul, unable to think clearly as the war turns against him. He laments his inability to live like a normal person, to go to the movies, shop or even a walk for please. He admits “With the right advertising, any fool can take power.”. But even power is not enough.
Franziska Weisz’ Magda Goebbels is trapped in a loveless marriage. Her husband is having an affair and the country is self-destructing. All she can do is protect her children.
My only reservation viewing Führer and Seducer is the lack of viewpoint of the Jewish race during the holocaust. There are references and extremely confronting footage, but more interviews with the Jewish survivors could have added more gravitas to the film. But perhaps, lamentably there are not a lot of survivors left alive now.
With politics and democracy in the West facing its biggest challenge since WWII, Führer and Seducer is a reminder not to believe everything that we hear or see on the media.
As the film warns – “For if only we take a close-up look at the biggest villains of history can we strip the masks from their faces and thus disarm the demagogues of the present”!
“It happened… and it can therefore happen again. Therein lies the core of what we have to say.” (Primo Levi – Auschwitz survivor)
To book tickets to this or other films click https://www.jiff.com.au/
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
Kid Sister: What a masterfully funny and refreshing television series.
Created and written by Simone Nathan, who also brilliantly portrayed the lead role of ‘Lulu’ in the series; ‘Kid Sister’ is the kind of comedy I love to watch.
Lulu is a young woman living with her family, who are all strongly connected to a small Jewish community in New Zealand. We soon discover the dilemma she faces between tradition and modern life issues and the drama and comedy of navigating relationships along the way.
There were such strong performances across the entire cast, with each actor portraying their characters honestly but with so much comedic heart.
The comedy was tied in with a strong focus on Jewish traditions. For people like myself who have extensive Jewish ancestry but who are not actually Jewish ourselves, this really kept me captivated not only by the human stories but also by all of the Jewish traditions highlighted. Let’s just say I learned a lot!
The overall storyline was somewhat predictable, but Nathan really made the show her own by leaning into the strong focus on the Jewish traditions and family values. That, alongside the tremendously witty humour and extremely strong writing created a unique and enjoyable series.
Having Lulu’s inner thoughts pop in at times as a voiceover truly lent to strengthening the show’s comedic aspect.
Like all good binge-worthy shows, I was left hanging on for each new episode. It really is the kind of show that makes you want to keep watching and learn more about each of the characters and their lives outside of the main storyline.
‘Kid Sister’ really is a brilliant television series. Look no further if you are looking for a comedy that will entertain and keep you engaged. I would watch more of this in a heartbeat.
‘Kid Sister’ is screening in the 2024 Jewish International Film Festival across Australia between October and December. To find out when and where it will be screening in your state, go to: https://www.jiff.com.au/resources/jiff-2024-web-program.pdf
Trust emerges as a standout film for this year’s St ALi’s Italian Film Festival, running nationwide at Palace Cinemas from September 18 to October 23. It invites viewers into an intricate psychological drama where love and fear dance together in a narrative that is as gripping as it is thought-provoking. Directed by the award-winning Daniele Luchetti and based on Domenico Starnone’s novel Confidenza, the film delivers an exploration of human emotion that lingers long after the credits roll.
The central figure in Trust is Pietro (Elio Germano), a well-respected teacher beloved by his students and admired by his peers. His reputation, built on his progressive pedagogical philosophy that affection trumps fear to inspire students, casts him as a pillar of his community. This idea of the “pedagogy of affection” becomes a thematic thread throughout the film, highlighting Pietro’s compassionate and encouraging nature. He’s the antithesis of the authoritarian teacher, choosing love over the fear of failure to guide his students toward their best selves. This progressive approach resonates with audiences, especially considering its relevance in the 1980s and ’90s when the film was set.
But a darker truth lies beneath Pietro’s moral righteousness and public adoration. His life takes an unexpected turn when he rekindles a relationship with a former student, Teresa (Federica Rosellini), one of the brightest minds he ever taught. After they meet again, Teresa confronts Pietro with a profound and unsettling declaration—she has always known about his affection for her, an affection he can no longer deny. Though the two begin a relationship, their dynamic becomes fraught with complexity and tension.
What starts as a seemingly genuine romance soon unravels into an obsessive and destructive bond. Teresa becomes aware of Pietro’s most closely guarded secret, a revelation that binds them together in a way that is almost stronger than love—through fear. The power of this secret is so immense that it threatens to undo the very foundation of their relationship, raising a central question that permeates the entire film: Is love more powerful than fear, or do these two emotions inevitably co-exist in a relationship built on vulnerability?
Luchetti masterfully plays with these concepts of love, fear, and honesty throughout the film. His direction ensures that the audience is never too comfortable, always wondering whether the bond between Pietro and Teresa is driven by genuine affection or by the terror of having their deepest fears exposed. The result is an exploration of how once-shared secrets can become weapons, altering the course of a relationship forever.
While Trust succeeds in exploring these weighty themes, there are moments when the film falters. Certain scenes feel unnecessarily drawn out, adding little to the overall narrative and making the film feel longer than its runtime suggests. As a thriller, Trust sometimes lacks the tension necessary to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, leaving a few key moments feeling flat. These pacing issues could have been addressed with tighter editing, which might have sharpened the film’s focus.
Despite these minor flaws, the performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Elio Germano delivers a nuanced portrayal of Pietro, a man whose inner turmoil is constantly simmering beneath his calm exterior. His ability to convey vulnerability and authority makes his character a fascinating study in contradiction. Federica Rosellini is equally impressive as Teresa, her performance embodying a mixture of longing, manipulation, and pain. Together, they create a volatile and captivating dynamic that anchors the film.
The supporting cast, including Vittoria Puccini as Nadia and Pilar Fogliati as Emma, adds further layers of complexity to the story. Isabella Ferrari’s portrayal of Tilde provides a sense of groundedness amidst the chaos of Pietro and Teresa’s relationship. Each performance enriches the film, allowing the audience to explore different facets of Trust, fear, and human interaction.
Ivan Casalgrandi’s cinematography elevates the emotional tone of the film. His use of shadows, light, and shots peering through windows door creates an atmosphere of quiet tension, echoing the characters’ internal battles. The set and costume designs also reflect the 1980s and ’90s setting, giving the film an authentic feel without distracting from the central narrative.
One of the standout aspects of Trust is Thom Yorke’s haunting score. Known for his ability to craft music that evokes deep emotion, Yorke’s contribution here is no different. His atmospheric soundscapes underscore the tension and emotional weight of the film, drawing the audience deeper into the story without overwhelming the performances. The themes of Trust are universal and timeless, making the film deeply relatable for audiences of all backgrounds. At its core, the film asks whether honesty, when laid bare, can strengthen or destroy a relationship. Can love survive when fear takes hold, or does fear inevitably erode Trust? These are the questions Luchetti leaves audiences grappling with, and their unresolvable nature is what makes Trust such an impactful film.
As the premiere film of the St ALi’s Italian Film Festival, Trust sets the tone for a fantastic lineup of Italian cinema. It challenges viewers to think deeply about the nature of human relationships, leaving them with more questions than answers, which is often the hallmark of a truly great film. Despite a few pacing issues, Trust succeeds as an emotionally resonant and visually arresting exploration of love, fear, and the secrets we hide from each other—and ourselves.
Film Review: Trust (2024) Directed by Daniele Luchetti Starring: Elio Germano, Federica Rosellini, Vittoria Puccini, Pilar Fogliati, and Isabella Ferrari Based on the novel Confidenza by Domenico Starnone Original music by Thom Yorke
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
