Lies My Father Told Me

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Lies My Father Told Me

PG

1975

1h 41m

Drama

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3 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

David (Jeffrey Lynas) is a young Jewish boy growing up in Montreal in the 1920s. His father, Harry (Len Birman), a self-consumed inventor who yearns for assimilation and acceptance, is not religious. His loving grandfather Zaida (Yossi Yadin) is devout, with his heart still back on the old continent. Every Sunday, as David and Zaida collect scrap metal in a horse and carriage, grandfather preaches Judaism to grandson. David must come to his own conclusions on his Jewish identity and faith.

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

No attempt is really made to make these people more than stereotypes, but they play their roles with sufficient gusto to make them interesting.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 10, 2020

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Ruth Batchelor

Los Angeles Free Press

Lies My Father Told Me is a gift you should not deny yourself.

Nov 22, 2019

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Bernard Drew

Gannett News Service

Lies My Father Told Me is a charming personal story, sensitively directed by Jan Kadar, who reveals the same ability to handle mood, ambiance and a sense of time and place that marked his previous films.

Oct 22, 2019

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Audience Member

Sweet film about a little boy's relationship with his zada/grandfather. Really nice movie. I also need to watch this one again too. I saw it as a little boy myself.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

I loved this movie, it just brought tears to my eyes. Kimberly Rivera understands.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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Audience Member

Wow! It's as if Montreal haven't changed that much since the 1920's, especially the Mile-End area. Still an amazing movie.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

That kid was a bit enoying.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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Audience Member

I saw this film when I was a child and would love to see it again. If anyone knows if it is available, please let me know.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

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Jan Kadar

Director

Jeff Lynas

David Herman

Yossi Yadin

Grandfather Zaida

Len Birman

Harry Herman

Marilyn Lightstone

Annie Herman

Ted Allan

Mr. Baumgarten

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Synopsis

David (Jeffrey Lynas) is a young Jewish boy growing up in Montreal in the 1920s. His father, Harry (Len Birman), a self-consumed inventor who yearns for assimilation and acceptance, is not religious. His loving grandfather Zaida (Yossi Yadin) is devout, with his heart still back on the old continent. Every Sunday, as David and Zaida collect scrap metal in a horse and carriage, grandfather preaches Judaism to grandson. David must come to his own conclusions on his Jewish identity and faith.

Director: Jan Kadar
Producer: Anthony Bedrich, Harry Gulkin
Screenwriter: Ted Allan
Production Co: Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC), Pentimento Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 41m