British Jewry

While open discrimination against Jews did not exist in post-World War I England, anti-Semitism could be found in more subtle and genteel forms. “I’m semi-deprived,” says Harold Abrahams in Chariots of Fire, based on a true story. “They lead me to water, but they won’t let me drink.” Called arrogant and defensive, he is a Cambridge student and the son of a Lithuanian Jew who can provide his sons with everything – except total acceptance.

Chariots of Fire tells the story of the British runners competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Abrahams and the Scotsman Eric Liddel run in the 100 meter race, each driven by personal passion: Liddel, a devout Christian, runs for the glory of God; Abrahams runs in anger and defiance – to prove that he is “as good an Englishman as any of them.” Each ultimately finds his assumptions challenged as they prepare for the race of a lifetime. Rated PG.

2 hr. 4 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

Masterpiece Theater presentation based on the classic novel by George Eliot set in 1860’s England. Daniel Deronda, the main character, is the handsome, charming and illegitimate son of a British aristocrat. Daniel has all of the advantages of the wealthy and knows little about his past. He befriends a beautiful young woman, Gwendolen Harleth, at the roulette table. Gwendolen is an avid gambler who quickly gets into debt and into trouble. Eventually, she turns to Daniel for help. She discovers that Daniel has a relationship with a young Jewish singer named Mirah – a woman he saved from committing suicide. His relationship with Mirah takes Deronda into the Jewish ghettos of Victorian England, allowing viewers a glimpse of the lifestyle of and attitudes toward England’s Jews in the 1800’s. This portion also briefly touches on the theme of Zionism. To solve his love triangle and find his destiny, Daniel must first unlock the secrets of his past. Note: An enjoyable and well-done BBC production.

3 hrs. 30 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

Est

(DVD)

Summer Phoenix and Ian Holm star in this provocative film about a young Jewish woman living in London at the end of the 19^th century who discovers a passion for acting. Esther and her large immigrant family work in a sweatshop setting. Esther feels different and somewhat removed from her family. In fact, Esther seems totally devoid of feeling until she sees live theatre for the first time and something within her comes alive. A veteran actor (Ian Holm), takes Esther under his wing and teaches her acting, eventually leading her to the stage. A budding actress, Esther enters into a love affair with a playwright who treats her poorly, abandoning her on the night of her debut in “Hedda Gabler.” Esther must decide whether to be conquered by the pain in her life or whether she can overcome obstacles and succeed through the theatre. Note: This is a French film, although the language is English (with a little Yiddish in the beginning). It is a long, slow moving film that requires patience from its viewers. One particular scene – in which Esther actually eats glass – may be too horrific for some viewers. Although the lead character is Jewish, Jewish content or themes play a very minor role in this film – and mainly are found in the movie’s opening scenes.

2 hrs. 22 min.  AGE:  Adult

F

LEON THE PIG FARMER  (1992)

Leo

British comedy about Leon, a Jewish young man living in London who discovers that he is the product of artificial insemination and that his biological father is a Yorkshire pig farmer. Leon travels to Yorkshire to meet the man who, with his extended family, try to learn about Jews to make Leon feel at home. Meanwhile, Leon, who is still single, fluctuates between a Jewish girlfriend who is into meditation and an unusual non-Jewish artist who paints him on a cross. Leon’s own parents are recognizable Jewish stereotypes. Note: Viewers may find some scenes offensive and others hilarious. The film contains countless negative stereotypes—both of Jews and non-Jews—intended to be humorous. These stereotypes and the issues they raise can themselves be used for discussion in adult groups.

1 hr. 38 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

Man

DVD

Beautifully filmed drama which focuses on Susie, a young woman in 1940s Paris (Christina Ricci) and her relationships with a cabaret dancer friend (Cate Blanchett), an opera singer (John Turturro) and a gypsy (Johnny Depp). An initial scene shows a flashback of Susie as a child in 1927 Russia, where she was called Feige. Feige watches as her father leaves for America. When a pogrom strikes her village, Feige’s grandma sends her with a group of people headed to America. Feige takes the wrong boat and ends up in London. There she is given the name of Susie and sent to live with a Christian foster family. She keeps the photograph of her father and is determined to find her way to America. Eventually, “Susie” gets involved with a performing troupe, makes her way to France and befriends a cabaret singer and gypsy. Only the singer knows that she is a Jew. When the Nazis invade France, “Susie’s” life becomes endangered and she faces a difficult decision – to stay in France with the gypsy man she loves or to flee to safety in America and seek her father. A haunting lyrical film by filmmaker Sally Potter. Note: Rated R. Contains some brief sexual content.

1 hr. 40 min.  AGE:  17 to Adult

296.41

THE SABBATH BRIDE  (1987)

Sab

British-made documentary about Shabbat which includes comments from a wide variety of rabbis in England, as well as Sabbath preparations and customs from a wide variety of Jews. After an introduction in which the background and reasons for Shabbat are presented, the film proceeds to show Shabbat preparations. With a backdrop of lively Jewish music and many interviews, the film follows a traditional Shabbat, from getting ready for the holiday and lighting candles to the Havdalah service on Saturday evening. Conversations with Orthodox, Reform, Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews are included.

52 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult