Father in Israel-Review #1 CINEMA SATURDAY MOVIE REVIEW!

Well, here it is-the debut of CINEMA SATURDAY Movie Review here on Ms. Holm's soapbox. I would like to begin by saying that I have been a snob about LDS film. I have never been drawn to it for many reasons-and I am LDS; So I am excited and glad that my very first to review is an LDS themed film that surprised me pleasantly to say the least. Father in Israel-the opening night film at this year's LDS film festival was the kind of film that the LDS film culture should be proud to claim. Totally devoid of the over-used cliches that plague LDS film, it put into view the rich humanity and beautiful peculiarity of the LDS faith as lived by Aaron Young, a character that at once demands the audience's sympathy. Life for the middle-aged Aaron is changing at a fast pace-and will not be letting up. He is called as the father-figure and spiritual shepherd of his church congregation-as an LDS bishop. The beginning of this film has a scene in which he is confiding to his own father that he wishes that he could have a life situation that made him feel like he did while serving his mission for the church-spiritually fed and filled instead of depleted by a job that grates on his mind and soul. Clearly, he did NOT have the appointment as bishop in mind to do that; and this appointment serves to bring him to his knees as he also faces rapid-fire changes in his family life. His wife is unwaveringly devoted and helpful to him as he fulfills his responsibilities. A twenty-three year-old daughter and an eight year-old son are just two of the six children of his-all of whom on one level or another are facing some kind of rite of passage. He must be the parent they need and the Bishop that his congregation needs. Christian Vuissa (also producer of such films as The Errand of Angels, And the founder of the LDS Film Festival) is the Producer, Director, and Screenplay writer. He has done a sublime job. The subplots are engaging and believable. Characters such as a struggling wayward daughter and an extremely likeable non-LDS co-worker of Aaron's (who is part of an extremely funny situation arising from an agreement.......just watch the movie) are rich and believable. The acting is well-done. Timothy Threlfall in the leading role created a wonderful character that is(as I have said) thoroughlly sympathetic. He faces the sacrifices that he feels he must make for his family and others without an existential meltdown or even too much self-pity. His interest is where his family lies. He is a Father in Israel. I give this film 3 stars out of 4. Rated PG

I could not see this film without thinking about my own father. Love You, Dad. :-)

Father in Israel official web site http://www.fatherinisrael.com/

Thanks to Karen "Kazzy" Burton for making the viewing of Father in Israel possible! :-D Thanks, Karen.