Highlights:
What it’s about:
A curated list of the season’s most talked-about movies with Jewish themes, connections, or controversies to consider for viewing during the Christmas season.
Why it matters:
The Jewish tradition of enjoying movies on Christmas, often followed by Chinese food, is almost a cultural staple. This year’s lineup includes films with significant Jewish relevance, providing an opportunity for reflection, education, and entertainment during the holiday season.
The Movies to Watch:
Wonka
Although Wonka does not have overt Jewish content, the film marks a highlight for Jewish actor Timotheé Chalamet as he steps into a role once inhabited by Gene Wilder, another prominent Jewish actor.
The Color Purple
The musical remake of The Color Purple, touches upon Alice Walker’s complex personal history, including connections to Judaism through her marriage and later her divisive political views. With Steven Spielberg involved as a producer, the film revisits a powerful narrative of oppression and empowerment.
Zone of Interest
Zone of Interest, directed by Jewish filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, is a poignant drama set against the backdrop of Auschwitz, exploring human complicity and the psychological landscapes of those involved in the Holocaust.
Maestro
Maestro, available in theaters and on Netflix, is a biopic of Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein. It’s drawn both criticism for its use of prosthetics and admiration for its portrayal of the music icon.
Iron Claw
Documenting the rise and fall of the Von Erichs, a wrestling family with a powerful legacy in Israel, Iron Claw delves into a unique intersection of Israeli entertainment culture and American sports.
Freud’s Last Session
While creatively imagining a meeting between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis, Freud’s Last Session is not faring well with critics, yet it offers a Jewish perspective on the origins of psychoanalysis and a historical fiction set during a pivotal moment in history.
Takeaway:
This Christmas, the film selection offers a blend of entertainment, history, and cultural exploration perfect for those looking to connect with Jewish themes and stories. Whether delving into the complicated past or celebrating contributions of Jewish individuals in the arts, these movies provide rich content for holiday viewing.
This story was first published on jpost.com.