Eyes Wide Open (2009) - full transcript

Aaron (Zohar Shtrauss), a respected butcher and a family man in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem, leads a conservative life of community devotion and spiritual dedication. Aaron's life undergoes a series of emotional changes following the arrival of a young apprentice (Ran Danker) to his shop. Consumed with lust, the handsome "Yeshiva" student irreversibly transforms the intricate beliefs in the once-devoted butcher's life - leading Aaron to question his relationships with his wife Rivka (Tinkerbell), children, community, and God.

Notice of the passing of

Menachem Fleischman

Butchershop Fleischman

Employee wanted

Can I use the telephone?

I'm currently in Jerusalem.

You don't answer.

I'll call back later.

Everything okay?

Young man!

Yes.

You're not from around here.

I'm attending a Talmud School.

That's good. Which school?

''The Wisdom of Menachem''.

Are you sure? I thought

that school doesn't exist anymore.

I'm looking for a school.

You're looking...

You can wait here for as long

as it rains.

Thanks.

Blessed art Thou the Eternal,

Lord of the Universe...

YOu're looking for an employee?

Why?

I'm looking for work.

Have you ever worked

at a butcher's before?

No.

I've applied for studies

at a Talmud school.

Quite so. Here it's different.

I know.

You have a place to sleep?

I can find lodgings with a friend.

The friend who isn't answering?

He'll answer.

Go back to your place.

This place is nothing for you.

I'll manage.

Coming back is not so easy.

What are you doing?

Leave it!

I came for you.

I have nowhere else to go.

Talk to me!

I don't believe you.

And He, the Eternal Halleluja.

Hallowed and blessed be His name.

... that His Kingdom may be witnessed

in our days

and alive in the House of Israel

in a time soon to come

and say:''Amen''.

You're still looking for work?

Have you eaten? Are you hungry?

Shall we go study this even?

My father, may he rest in peace,

rested here.

Let's go dwonstairs,

there is work to do.

And you?

A young man must study

and pray.

Rest and idleness bring boredom.

And boredom...

Idleness brings folly.

You can sleep here

till you find a school.

I will have all I need to study

Through here.

Papa.

Good evening.

Jacob.

Take these books and

bring them in order.

Good evening.

- Hand me the kashered ones.

- What?

The kashered chickens.

Answer me!

What happened?

Nothing. Sorry.

Leave it.

What is this?

Leave it, it's not...

You can look.

Was it you who drew them?

- They're just scrawls.

- Scrawls.

You had drawing lessons??

In a way. I taught myself.

I can draw you, if you like.

I'll go out a bit.

Where are you going?

Can I?

Ephra?m.

- How are you?

- Fine.

- You're well??

- Very well.

- That will make a place to stay.

- Yes.

- If you like it...

- Don't do this here.

What does the Talmus say

on ''he who attones''?

He who has sinned against the soul

attones through a sacrifice.

A man who fasts is called a sinner.

A righteous man who imposes

a fast upon himself

and bereaves himself of wine.

Must one call him a sinner?

Must one make a sacrifice?

Why?

What is the literal meaning?

God doesn't want men

to inflict pain upon themselves.

He wants him to enjoy life.

Moreover, why has He

created the world?

To do good.

For us to do good.

Rabbi, that doesn't...

that doesn't satisfy me.

The ascetic must make a sacrifice

because he has refused to lighten the challenge.

To be a servant of G-d

is a daily struggle.

One must love the hardships

love to overcome them.

To serve G-d, implies that.

To love the hardships.

Thank you.

Where are you going?

To take a ritual bath,

outside the town.

You're not coming to dinner

on Shabbos?

Would you like me to come?

Yes.

So come to the spring.

I can't.

I promised Rivka to help.

For how many years

haven't you left Jerusalem?

Coming?

Come on, immerse yourself.

Is the water fine??

Freezing.

The water is fine.

Papa has arrived!

Papa, what's wrong?

Jacob, bring the glasses.

Like a foretaste of Paradise

The Shabbat is meant for rest

All those who enjoy it

reap benefits of great joy

The hardships before the coming

of the Saviour liberates us

Our deliverance shall come,

sadness and pain will disappear

Have you seen me?

Yes, I've seen.

Where have you studied?

At ''Or Vachesed'' in Safed.

See there...

It's delicious.

Give me a little piece.

Aaron eats to little meat...

- A little piece.

- Eat what you like.

It's too much.

Take a little.

I haven't eaten like that and that's all.

Jacob, eat.

Take a larger piece.

If you don't, you won't grow.

Mama, I don't like that.

All your mother's dishes

are delicious.

Charming family.

Thanks.

What are you doing in Jerusalem?

I study and I econmise.

Where do you live?

In the butchershop.

In the spare room?

It's temporary.

Have you any family here?

No.

Marriage plans?

For the time being, I study.

It will happen, G-d willing.

If you need anything,

don't hesitate.

CUt it into small pieces.

- This?

- Yes.

Into little pieces.

Never cross the arms.

Cut against the slab.

With strength, like this.

Why are you smiling?

Have you ever seen a butcher smiling?

The knife is your tool.

Respect it.

This piece also has to be ground.

I'll do it.

No, you can't do it alone.

I'll help you.

Hold it tight.

Good day to you.

Good day to you!

Good day.

They are waiting for us, Aaron.

They are waiting for us...

All this for me?

This, it's for you.

Ah, my meat.

Go by yourself. I'm busy.

I don't drive.

I'm busy.

Cette soupe populaire

est au bout du monde.

It's alright, Aaron.

Go along. I'll finish by myself.

You don't want to put on a bandaid?

- He's from Safed.

- Who?

Ezri. Your employee.

I know. He studied at ''Or Vachesed''.

I know. They chased him away from there.

Why?

He managed to do too many

good deeds.

Discharge him.

What are you doing

Charity and gossip?

My father hired him

and it's his buchershop.

He is starting over with me.

Your father hired him?

Are you sure?

I am starting over with him.

What?

You don't know that.

They say things about him.

I can make inquiries.

Okay.

I don't know what you have heard

not what they say.

Good that you are knowledgeable

yet in spite of your experience,

you don't know this thing.

G-d has created Ezri

and G-d lets Ezri live.

And only Ezri can serve

G-d in his way.

Look at this layabout.

Isra?l Fisher.

He has been seen with

the daughter of Mordecha?, Sarah.

Another one to cause trouble.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here??

Do these surroundings inspire you?

Sometimes.

I didn't want to disturb you.

Continue drawing.

I've only been scrawling.

You're not disturbing me.

Continue.

You want to draw my portrait?

Sit down.

Lift your hat.

Relax.

Relax.

Relax your face as well.

So, why did you come?

You were looking for me?

No. I forgot something

in the butchershop.

Hold yourself back.

Hold yourself back.

We have the chance

to elevate ourselves,

to overcome...

to fulfill our mission

in this base world.

This hardship cannot be overcome

if one cannot go beyond it.

Why has G-d created desire?

For the purification of the soul.

We have a mission.

G-d did not make

faulty creations.

The ''fault'' does not exist!

Look at this beauty,

this complexity!

You are a master of this work!

The challenge a man must meet

is he himself.

And this is ours.

We alone overcome it.

Any ordinary man

cannot understand this.

Today I went to the ritual bath.

Help me.

Aaron?

Aaron?

What?

Can you help me with the meat?

Come.

Turn around.

Softly.

Softly.

A bit more.

Rise up.

Help me.

Through here.

Have you finished?

In a moment.

Okay?

Very good.

Why are you so serious?

Smile. I'm done.

Smile!

Okay?

Are you hungry?

I'm hungry.

So, let's eat something.

You haven't already eaten?

No. I waited for you.

You have a lot of work?

Thanks to G-d.

That's good, isn't it?

Yes.

I met Rabbin Weizman

who is overjoyed

that the butchershop has reopened.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

It's good we're open for the holidays.

Hallowed and blessed be His name.

... that His Kingdom may be announced

in our days

and alive in the House of Israel

in a time near at hand

and all say ''Amen''.

Amen.

He is continuing to see Sarah.

Who?

Isra?l Fisher.

The boy I showed you.

Look at his father.

The man is suffering.

It's hard to find a groom for Sarah.

How are you, Sarah?

Quite well, thanks to G-d.

My order is ready?

Yes. Right away.

Papa!

Don't run around here.

You know that.

Papa, I have to go to the toilet.

Here you are.

Thanks. How much is it?

You can pay next time.

Get out of here.

You haven't the right to be here.

Get out!

I want to pay.

Mince the meat.

You want to pay. Okay...

90 shekels, if you please

Is my meat ready?

The chicken legs...

- Papa, the toilet...

- Stop!

It's raining.

And if you come back later

this evening?

I'll try.

Till later.

Rise up, my love, my fair one,

and come away.

G-d has promised to the righteous

to sit with them in paradise

in one circle.

So it is written in the Talmud,

it is not only for the righteous.

This promise

is valid for each one of us.

How so?

Even the ignorants of Isra?l

have accomplished

numerous good deeds.

We are all righteous one.

Even the sinners.

If one dons't rise above a challenge,

one must continue to aspire to be good.

He who has succumbed to sin

need not fall into despair.

For G-d will offer him

a new challenge.

When he overcomes this,

even in spite of past transgressions

it will still count for merit.

Your teachings are worth more

than wealth of gold and silver

than wealth of gold and silver

than wealth of gold and silver

than wealth of gold and silver

How can I arive there?

Blessed art Thou, the Eternal,

Master of the Universe,

who brings forth bread

from the earth.

Bon app?tit.

It's delicious.

He has been laid to rest

Menachem Fleischman

Blessed be his memory

May his soul be guarded

among the living

Hold yourself well.

Hello.

Hello.

Listen, Aaron.

The guy who is working for you

has nothing to do do here.

What is that supposed to mean?

All this will end badly.

People talk.

He makes people leave the right path.

Patron,

don't introduce him to our home.

Don't welcome him to our synagogue

nor in our neighbourhood.

Ezri!

I didn't wake up.

Do you know, what time it is?

Why didn't you wake me?

Butchershop certified kosher

Closed

This news makes us angry

because of odious crimes

committed in our quarter

by criminals

A terible disaster

threathens the believers

who qui ont p?ti

en voulant porter secours.

We draw you attention to an evil

that has arisen amongst us.

Wicked people are walking about

and they would pass

as pious ones...

Hello, Sarah. How are you?

Fine, thanks to G-d.

Have you seen Aaron?

No, sorry.

He didn't go to the butchershop?

It's closed.

I haven't seen him.

- You haven't seen him this morning?

- No.

... and that he may bring peace.

Blessings and success...

Jacob!

- What has happened to you?

- G-d protect you.

How was the journey?

I had a lot of work.

What is it?

Everything is fine, Rivka.

It's all in your head.

Hello.

Aaron isn't here?

No.

That's a good sign.

What?

If he left you alone,

that's a good sign.

I would like some shoulder, please.

Certainly.

Could I have a larger piece?

It's fresh, isn't it?

Yes, it's from yesterday

I'll take all of it.

Could you clean it for me?

Thanks.

Vous avez appris

? le faire comme il faut.

Thanks.

It must be hard to be alone.

Come to dinner this evening.

That there may come a great peace

from on high...

and all say ''Amen''.

Amen.

He who has established peace in the

heavens shall establish it amongst us

and above his people of Israel.

Amen.

I'll talk to him

but come with us.

Go there without me.

He's become mad.

- Who?

- Mordecha?.

It's enough.

I need you to come, Aaron.

for Sarah.

I have my own troubles.

It's not the time now.

Just now is the ideal moment.

Papa, don't go there.

J'aurais d? y mettre fin bien avant.

Vas-y, roule!

Enter.

Good evening to you.

Why have you come?

You know very well why!

- Let us sit down.

- I am fine here.

Isra?l, you know who we are.

Let's sit down to talk.

There is nothing to say.

Isra?l, you are going a false path...

The wedding to Sarah has been arranged.

From today on,

keep yourself away from her.

Don't meet

no telephone talks,

no contact whatsoever.

You want to destroy

your daughter's life?

Don't tell me how to act

you insolent brat!

We aren't enjoying ourselves

She is my life.

Leave my daughter alone!

It's another little girl.

If your mother weren't here...

I love her!

For her I would wreck the world.

You love her?

Have you no shame, before her father?

We have put her under custody

to keep her form coming here.

You know what you are doing??

They are knocking at the door.

You shall open.

They've packed everything.

Later, they'll explode.

Your mother cried out,

but noone will come to help you.

Even if you flee to the synagogue

you won't enter it

because all the world shall be aware now.

You can't do what you have in mind

Do you understand?

Nathaniel, pass on to Papa.

Eat.

Papa, I had full marks on the Torah test.

Bravo.

Very good.

Good.

I wanted to show you.

You wern't in the butchershop.

A scandal has arisen in our quarter

You have been alerted!

Announcement to the public

who buy in the butchershop.

One has discovered

that it isn't kosher

in spite of a certificate

affixed to the door.

Beware of unclean nourishment.

We call upon the believers

to avoid this dubious store

where sinners have had the audacity

to disguise themselves and piuos men

to establish themselves

in our quarter...

He is impure!

... The distinguished young man

Yeoudah Stern

will marry the girl of his own age

the honorable virgin, Sarah Katz,

in a blessed ceremony

according to the religion

of Moses and Israel

One has heard

in the mountains of Judea

And in the streets

in the streets

of Jerusalem

Cries of joy and merrymaking...

A scandal has arisen

in our quarter

Blessed and hallowed be His name.

... that His kingdom may be proclaimed

in our day

and living in the House of Israel.

Soon

and in a time close at hand

and all say ''Amen''.

Amen.

It can't continue.

have a family,

a wife, childrem.

And me, I have noone ut you.

I will protect you.

The righteous, you haven't listened to us.

You wish that noone

will buy from you again?

That you will be boycotted?

That they say you sell

forbidden foods?

Not only will you have to

shut down your shop,

but you will also have to take

your wife and children

and leave the quarter,

if they will follow you.

You will have to leave,

you haven't got a choice.

The righteous one!

Also right, that you should be,

you don't decide her any more .

Good day to you!

What's the problem my friends?

Is there no more meat left?

Rabbin Weizman, listen.

We...

I take responsability.

I will talk to him.

It's a sore point. It should

have been taken care of yesterday.

We have no time to lose.

I know him

and I knew his dead father.

He benfits from

his ancestor's merits.

His father was an honest man.

One can't take risks.

For the sake of our childen,

one doesn't want to.

It's matter of life or death!

It's you who shed the blood

You have no evidence

One doesn't want to further the risk

in the name of the experience

that you caution here.

Ascend to see what goes on up there

one doesn't accept to put

tender souls in dangers...

of our children.

It is an evil that has just tainted you

Which impurities have you kashered?

What do you know about children.

Scum? Go away!

- What kind of Torah students are you?

- We'll stay.

It's me who decides.

You don't obey me. Let me see!

Get out!

Your audacity beats everything.

Go! Shame on you!

Why is it so hard to tell him to leave?

Why are you so stubborn?

To do what, Aaron?

What is with you?

Has your father cut out your tongue?

FOr the love of G-d, talk!

Why are you silent?

I'm alive.

I need him.

I was dead.

Now I'm alive.

Ephra?m.

It's for you.

Sinner!

You lead others to sin!

You have no place in Paradise.

Sinner

One must keep away from you.

One must exclude you!

It is forbidden to approach you!

Go away!

Leave!

Ezri.

I know.

What is the object of your prayer?

Where do you want to be?

I want to be here.

You want me to leave?

No, but you decide.

I have nothing to decide.

I want to be here.

What shall we do now?

It's our house.

I haven't introduced this into the house.

It's neither mine nor for me

It's my bad tendency

that took control over me.

I have never brought it into this house.

Okay.

Protect me.

EYES WIDE OPEN

Sous-titres : Eytan Kapon

Sous-titrage : C.M.C.

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