Secrets worth knowing The film by Israeli director Avi Nesher “Secrets” is a composition of seemingly incompatible elements. The depiction of traditional Jewish culture, the importance of religion - and, in particular, its ritual part - for man, feminism, the formation of the human personality, the relationship between people - all this is reflected in this work. The film colorfully combines mysticism, parable, sensuality, imagery.
Safed is a very original place, even by the standards of such an unusual country as Israel. This is the center of Kabbalah, a religious city, but it is religious with its own mystical shade. It is said that on the eastern outskirts of Safed there once lived a woman who brewed two cups of tea every evening - ordinary and mint - and put it on her doorstep. When asked why she was doing this, she replied that when the Messiah finally came from the east, he would be very tired of the journey and would certainly want a cup of tea. When asked why she had two cups, she replied, “But I don’t know what kind of tea he likes.”
In this story, the whole atmosphere of Safed. The miracle here is perceived as something natural, ordinary - and necessary. Perhaps this is what gives hope to the heroine of the film Anouk - a woman through whose life love, murder, imprisonment, illness have passed. To faith leads the thought of “purification”, “repentance”, “forgiveness”. This is a rather naive view, concentrated on the ceremonial side of religion, emotional, almost fanatical, and at the same time very indiscriminate - madame does not even care what faith she theoretically belongs to, and from which she takes the "cleansing" rites - this emphasizes the unconsciousness and emotionality of the choice she makes.
The faith of the main character, an intelligent and devout girl named Naomi, the other is more meaningful, filled with its own, individual understanding. Naomi herself is an amazing person, religious and freedom-loving at the same time. It is obvious that she is unusual and unpleasant violations of the restrictions imposed by discipline and tradition, but at the same time she is not afraid to make the most courageous decisions in matters concerning her own life, her views, her principles. On the contrary, the second heroine of the film, Michelle, so self-confident, free-willed and independent at first glance, is actually in captivity to fears and stereotypes. She is a sweet, charming and cheerful girl who appreciates beauty and knows how to see it in people, but in general mediocre. Naomi is an outstanding personality, strong, smart, bright.
The relationship of these two girls in the middle of the film is quite unexpectedly broken from the framework of friendship. At first, it seems like something falling out of the overall narrative, somewhat illogical and unnecessary to the storyline, a foreign element inserted to attract attention. However, then this topic reaches a new level and helps to reveal the character of the main character more. On the one hand, it is the awakening of sensuality and sensitivity, a kind of “freezing” of the emotional sphere. On the other hand, due to the subsequent parting, there is certainly incredulity and increased demand for people in the future. Over time, Naomi will survive the breakup with Michelle, perhaps someday - but not soon - will truly forgive her.
It is amazing how Naomi combines a variety of character traits, from a certain coldness and determination to caring, shown first to his father and then to Michelle. And how different her care is from the care of Rachel, her sister – a soft, helpful and modest mother of many children. Rachel's caring is habit, submission. Naomi’s caring is a conscious acceptance of responsibility for loved ones, a way to show them not only love, but also respect.
For the sisters’ father, a venerable rabbi, Rachel was the perfect daughter, humble and feminine—and Naomi might have been the perfect son, just as she was born into a female body. It would seem that the problem is insignificant – the child is intelligent, religious, eager to learn, wants to become a rabbi. Such a son is the embodiment of the happiness and pride of the father. But alas, there was a problem with the floor. In this original vein, Nesher reveals the theme of feminism in her film, using the example of a girl from a religious society who despised traditional gender roles and wanted to become a rabbi. Very interesting and touching move. It would seem that when filming a plot about a rebel girl from a religious family, it would be logical to prescribe a rebellion against conservative family and religious mores in the script. In a sense, it happened, but the angle of the problem under consideration is very original.
The beauty and talent of actress Ani Bookstein, the performer of the role of Naomi, fascinates. A sharp, somewhat arrogant face, surprisingly transformed by a smile, perfectly suits the character of the heroine. The simplicity and modesty of religious dress only emphasizes the strict beauty of the girl. The extraordinary role of an intelligent, proud, principled heroine undoubtedly required great efforts from the actress.
In general, young Israeli actresses were very pleased with their performance - not only the performers of the two main roles, but also the girls who played their roommates. I was touched and touched by the game of Adir Miller, who got a wonderful image of a sweet, kind, intelligent and truly understanding person.
Unexpected appearance in the Israeli film star of French cinema Fani Ardan, and even in such an uncharacteristic role – a sick, broken, desperate woman. It is strange to write about her, but in her image there is a sense of overplay. Perhaps here too much pressure on the pity of the audience Director. Not critically, though.
So, if you’re wondering what it’s like, Israeli cinema (or even if it happens at all), well, the answer will take you two hours—and you won’t regret it. Atmospheric, very aesthetic and extremely original film is a real gem in the filmography of Avi Nesher.