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Yiddish Theater: A Love Story

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89% Tomatometer 19 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings

Critics Reviews

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New York Magazine/Vulture Intriguing and entertaining despite some rough edges, Dan Katzir's documentary profits immeasurably from the ancient Spaisman's genuine charisma. Jun 21, 2012 Full Review Joshua Rothkopf Time Out If you end up kvelling for these performers, the doc has served its purpose. Jun 17, 2012 Full Review Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times Given its origins, it's not surprising that Yiddish Theater: A Love Story has a catch-as-catch-can feeling to it. But nothing can take away from the flavor of being caught up in the battles and dreams of a formidable group of people. Rated: 4/5 Nov 30, 2007 Full Review Jennifer Merin About.com The Yiddish Theater: A Love Story is as charming, humorous, convincing, tenacious and relevant as its wonderful leading lady. Rated: 4.5/5 Jun 17, 2012 Full Review Linda Cook Quad City Times (Davenport, IA) Only a schmuck wouldn't love this movie. Rated: 4/4 Jul 8, 2009 Full Review Andy Klein Los Angeles CityBeat ... an uneven but ultimately charming %u2013 and sad %u2013 look at the disappearance of a centuries-old cultural tradition whose impact on our own culture has been inestimable. Dec 21, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (5) audience reviews
Audience Member [b][u]YIDDISH THEATER: A Love Story [/b][/u]A Documentary Film by DAN KATZIR Reviewed by Martin Brandfon I had the opportunity to see this gem of a film at the Peninsula JCC in Foster City, CA, last month (with the Director in attendance) and if you find it playing anywhere near you, call your friends and family to go see it! Perhaps the title of the film is a little misleading; this is not a Yiddish film but it is a "love story" on many levels. (There are subtitles for the Yiddish parts and to help better understand the star’s accented English.) The love objects are many: keeping Yiddish theater alive in New York; the close relationships between the dedicated "Yiddish Diva" Zypora Spaisman and her producer David Romeo; as well as the growing rapport between the film maker and his subject. Filmed against the backdrop of New York City at Hanukkah time in 2000, the story unfolds: the aged but energetic star of the Yiddish Public Theater is trying to bring her off-Broadway production of Peretz’ 1916 play, "Green Fields," to a theater closer to Times Square to attract bigger audiences. Despite a great review in the New York Times and inclusion as one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway Plays by the New York Post, raising enough money to move the show is the problem and the goal. The burning Hanukkah candles tick off the days until the final curtain falls. The film captures the spirit and drive of the actress and provides an intimate portrait of the impact of her life’s work on the play’s cast, her family, her friends and ultimately on Yiddish theater. It also proves that no matter how old you are, dreams really can come true. Zypora Spaisman is an inspiration and Dan Katzir has preserved her unforgettable character for this generation. In speaking to the Director, Dan Katzir, I realized that a parallel struggle exists in producing theater and distributing this documentary to wider audiences. The film has recently been shown in New York City at the Pioneer Theatre and in Los Angeles at Laemmle’s Grande. Both the New York Times and Los Angeles Times gave it positive reviews but these screenings were limited runs. (Last year’s showings at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival were sold out hits!) So, if you are in a position to bring this film to your synagogue, JCC or other community organization, please contact the Dan Katzir, dan@newlovefilms.com and check out his other award-winning films at [url="http://www.newlovefilms.com/"][u][color=#0000ff]www.newlovefilms.com[/u][/color][/url]. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member A terrific documentary that goes right to your heart. It's "raw" in every way: true feelings, true emotions, true hope, true happiness. Highly recommended. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member great little documentary! wonderful people in it--I'm so glad the Jewcy website pointed me towards such a splendid event for Thanksgiving in NYC Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Adorable and charming. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member A truly moving picture. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Yiddish Theater: A Love Story

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Director
Dan Katzir