Menashe (2017) - full transcript

Just a couple more things...

Then well go home.

What are you doing?

Kids, behave!

Third time shopping this week?

I’ve got eight kids, praise God.

Sweetie, we're going home soon.

We should look at the good things.

Shabbat is coming soon.

I shouldn't complain,

but surely you understand my troubles?



Let me get you a fresh one.

It looks fine.

Why are we selling
this unwashed lettuce?

You're such an extremist.

It's not worth it.

We earn no profit
on the pre-washed stuff.

This has no rabbinical approval,
it could have worms.

Are you kidding me?

You’re late for work.

You forget to mop the floors.

The customers complain.

Now it's the lettuce?

People can wash it on their own.

…but the Ruv insists.



Start acting like a mensch,

then you can tell me about the Ruv.

For now, don’t bother
me about the Ruv.

These rabbis who outlaw eruvin.

They’re meddling with our traditions.

He doesn’t allow women to wear wigs.

Exactly. Don't change our traditions.

You know what I say?

I’m not talking about Jewish Law,

but carrying on Shabbat doesn’t smell good.

I’m serious.

Landau, who stopped being observant...

They threw his kids out of school.

Yankel might be a heretic,
but why punish his kids?

Maybe this brings him back into the fold.

But his wife is still religious.

We can't have these kids in our schools.

But the kids are not at fault.

How was your meeting with the lady?

Praise God.

Chana's father said it didn't go well.

I’m just not ready yet.

"All beginnings are hard,"
the Talmud says.

Think about your son's well-being.

He should be raised in a proper home.

Why can’t I raise Rieven on my own?

Why must he live at Eizik’s?

A stepmother won't be any better.

She wouldn't be permitted
to touch my son.

You must find a new wife,

she will run your household,

she'll keep your home clean.

It will be a fine, pious home.

Then Rieven may live with you.

It won't be the same.

It will never be the same,

yet life must go on.

Dad?

Get in!

I’m late to see my tutor.

Just for a minute.

I got you a gift.

Just for a minute.

I got you a present, come inside.

What’s the present?

A chick!
Like the Yom Kippur chicken.

Sleep my child, my chickeleh.

Tomorrow we'll have you

in the chicken...

soup.

You’ll make everyone jealous.

Daddy?

I thought you’d never find me!

It stinks of fish in here.

Like Jonah inside the whale.

You could get into worse things.

Jonah didn’t work for my manager, Shmiel.

Come on.

So what's new?

Why don’t my uncle and teacher like you?

Who’s been telling you this?

We all get along fine.

Don’t worry about what your uncle thinks.

Only what you think.

Promise?

Promise.

Why don't you wear a hat and coat
like everyone else?

You’d look much nicer.

You don’t like the way I look?

If there’s something
you don’t understand, ask me

not your uncle.

- What else is doing?
- I’m getting hungry.

Your tutor called in a panic.

You think this is a free world?

What are you doing here?

You need to go straight home after school.

Sorry, Uncle, he surprised me.

I just picked him up on the way.

Grab your bag and let’s go.

I won't deal with this.

When we make a plan,

we stick to it.

My family is doing you a favor.

Don't forget that.

So you follow Rabbi Moshe or Rabbi Yaakov?

Yaakov.

My family’s always been close with the Ruv.

My uncle was his gabbai.

I couldn't follow the other one.

I can’t believe he permits women to drive.

It’s just not normal.

Must the rabbis meddle in everything?

So the matchmaker says you have children?

- One son.
- Only one?

Ready to get married again?

I was told you've been widowed
only four months.

You've been a widower for a year, right?

I think it’s time for both of us.

Besides marriage and kids,
what else is there?

I’m in no rush.

Why waste my time then?

The Ruv’s been pressuring me to go out.

But I don't think you're my type.

Your type?

And you're all I’d pray for in a husband?

Now I know why Hasidic men are so helpless.

Your mothers spoil you

then your wives take over.

I offer you the opportunity
for a stable life,

you spit in my face.

Did you want to get something to eat?

Was school any better today?



But there’s still too much homework.

How much homework?

I’d rather be with you at the store.

That's nonsense.

You? Work at the store?

—You’re young, you have no responsibilities.

Be grateful you’re free to study.

Poor you…

eating Aunt Henchi’s cooking every night.

It’s awful.

She only cooks kugel and chicken.

Let’s stop on the way
and get some schnitzel.

You can’t be more careful?

Look, it’s dripping all over you.

It’s not a joke, don’t laugh.

Look at this, that's a new shirt.

Ruveleh, have you eaten?

We bought a snack on the way.

Smells delicious in here.

What are you making?

Kugel.

Hello Eizik.

What's going on?

You're half an hour late. Where were you?

He was hungry. I bought him a snack.

I wanted to talk to you about next week...

the memorial for Leah.

You’ll make it on time?

I’ll prepare something to say.

Don’t worry about that.
The Ruv’s going to be here.

Maybe I’ll buy Rieven a new suit.

You still owe me money...

from the last time you bought him clothing.

Now you want to buy him a suit?

With whose money?

I’m not an outsider here!

I should be the one hosting the memorial!

Don’t yell. The family’s here.

Calm down.

You’ve never respected me,

even when I was married to your sister.

You have no respect for yourself.

Why should I respect you?

I’m taking my son.

I don’t need him raised in a home

where everything is so strict.

I’m his father. I know what’s best for him.

What do you know?

Enough!

Let’s

It’s my responsibility to raise Rieven!

I’ll be letting the Ruv know!

I don't care.

Wake up

It’s eight o'clock, we're gonna be late.

Daddy, what do you have to eat?

You have nothing

Want some gefilte fish?

We don’t have time.

There’s a piece of cake.
Put it in a plastic bag.

Daddy, you're always making us late.

Where's my tzitzit?

- Soda is good?
- Yeah, it’s good.

We need to hurry up.

Quick! Quick!

Okay, say the blessing.

Blessed are you…

Quick, it’s late!

We need to feed the chick.

Here's something.

Hurry!

Come on, let’s go.

Do you have everything?

There's someone at the door.

Look, it's just business.

You get me?

I have to take him to school.

I’ll be right back.

Come on. Menashe.

I’m gonna pay you.

I just need a check.

And I need it to go through.

Give me two days.

I figured you were at yeshiva...

We need a rabbi with your smarts.

I had to take my kid to school.

Mop the floors tonight.
It won't happen on its own.



You heard what the Rabbi said.

The Ruv can’t stop me
from attending college.

Wait until your father hears this nonsense!

Does he contribute at all?

No, I take care of the bills.

Praise God,
the real estate market is strong.

I can’t understand Menashe.

My brothers took care
of our sister while she was ill.

We took her to doctors…

for all her treatments.

I never get any thanks.

Thanks? For what?

You don’t even attend minyan!

You see how he speaks to me?

He's never respected me.

Respect?

This is how you dress?
Where’s your hat and coat?

He's inconsiderate to everyone.

Enough!

Sit down.

Why are you so late?

I had to help
the Hispanic guys

stock the shelves.

See this?

A fresh excuse.

What if he has to pick up
his son after school,

but his boss needs him to stay later?

My boss is terrible,

but I can't afford to lose my job.

This is why Rieven
can’t live with you now.

The Talmud says three things
bring a man peace...

A nice wife,

a nice house,

and nice dishes.

The gentiles have broken homes,

and so they have a broken society.

Do you have so little faith in me?

Do you have so little faith in the Torah?

I’m begging you, Ruv.

I barely see my son.

It breaks my heart.

I shouldn’t have taken him from Eizik’s.

But we must work something out.

Okay, I've heard enough.

Rieven will be thrown out of school

if he's not in a two-parent home.

I'll allow Rieven to stay with you
until the memorial.

Then he goes back to Eizik’s.

That's my decision.

One week.

You understand the consequences?

Yes.

Charity...

Help a Jew out.

Don't be anti-Hasidic, give money.

Jews, give charity.

Mr. Jew?

Help me, please?

I’m getting married. I'm an orphan.

I’m the great-grandson
of the Sanzer Rabbi.

Don’t get married.
It’s better for your health.

Don't be anti-Hasidic!

What did you learn in school today?

We learned about the dead.

About cemeteries?

Yes, that you must be respectful.

You may not eat or drink there.

You can't do business there.

Let’s read something more cheerful.

I studied this passage last week.

Yehuda ben Teima says…

"Be bold as a leopard."

What's a leopard?

Just like a cat.

"And be light like an eagle."

An eagle flies high...

"And mighty as a lion.”

How does a lion sound?

You do it.

No, you sound like a cow.

A lion!

Finish your homework?

Yeah.

- Read a book.
- Okay, okay.

Ruveleh, what are you doing?

Daddy, look what I found

What's this?

I still feel badly.

We had a fight that day.

I don’t want you touching my phone.

Get back to your homework.

You’re not done yet.

Here's what I'm saying.

Apartments are tiny. There's no room.

I have seven kids.
My wife wants more every year.

I can’t do it. Seriously.

A few days ago, I come home,

I found my youngest asleep in the tub.

Is that normal?

Menashe, how are you?

Thanks for coming.

I have a great match for you.

My cousin got a gett.

Her husband hit her.

Wouldn’t let her leave.

But she’s finally divorced.

She’s lovely, really.

She looks good, really good.

I’m okay.

How old are her kids?

One is six. The twins are three.

Boys or girls?

Two boys and a girl.

Don’t want to hear it.

Uncle?

Careful where you walk.

You be careful where you walk.

Think it’s funny?

Think it's shy?

Be careful, he'll fall.

See who’s at the door.

What are you doing here?

What?

Rieven called to say you were drunk.

I'm taking him home.

Ruveleh, you used my phone?

Yeah.

Don't you want to be with me?

I didn’t mean it.

He wants to stay.

Don’t come by here without calling.

Is this a joke?

See me laughing

You forget what we discussed with the Ruv.

You’ve lost your mind.

Stop banging on the teapot.

I can take care of my son.

I’ll believe it when I see it.

You're holier than the Ruv now?

Enough!

Rieven is my son,

and Leah was my wife.

I don't need any meddlers.

And Leah’s memorial will be at my home.

Enough of your squeaking.

Everyone will see you're a fool.

I’m sorry.

I can’t believe you called Eizik!

Don’t you ever use my phone again.

Got it?

Yes.

Okay, get ready. It’s late.

Time for bed.



- Hello?
- Shloime? Menashe.

Menashe Schwartz?

No, your cousin.

What's going on?

I’m hosting a memorial dinner at my place.

Can you come?

Maybe…

Is Eizik okay with that?

Forget Eizik. She was my wife.

Fine. Whatever's best.

Can I help? Bring anything

No, I’ll take care of it.

You're sure?

Thanks. Bye.

We should decorate for the memorial.

Let's buy that one.

He's wearing a nice hat and coat.

Mom would’ve liked it.

The holy Minchas Elazar.

But it’s not painted well.

So let’s get that one with the book.

The Chasam Sofer?

We already own one like it.

What do you think of this one?

Rabbi Shayele Kerestirer.

They say that his portrait keeps the mice away.

It's a miracle.

- Let's buy that one?
- Yes.

It’s nicely drawn.

Very authentic.

You’re not stronger than Daddy.

You must listen.

Let go.

I give up.

Okay, nail it in.

I have a son

for the memorial dinner.

Let’s hear it.

Once the mother went away

and did not come back home.

And Yankele and Shloimele.

Nobody wants to hear a song like that.

Sing something happier.

You said you’d be quick.

It will be quick.

You promised me ice cream.

Not now. Soon.

You stink of fish.

- Get out of the way, please.
-I don’t want to be here.

Let's go.

Get off of that!

It’s dangerous

Why are you in a crazy mood?

Put on your seatbelt.

What happened

Help me clean up this mess.

Something happened with the fish.

What?

I made a turn,

then I heard a crash.

All the fish fell out. The boxes broke.

- Everything broke?
- All the fish.

All of it was ruined?

Should I laugh or cry here?

-I wasn’t speeding.
- You weren’t speeding?

I made a left, then stopped.

Turned around and heard a crash.

Then all the fish flew out.

You know how much that cost?
Over $1,000.

-I know.
- You know?

You are such a schlimazel.

It's nothing but problems with you.

Be healthy and well. Goodnight.

Should I reimburse you?

Can I ask you something?

What now?

Last week we talked about a loan.

Can I still get it?

Are you serious? After all that?

You’re not ashamed?

You think I have extra money?

I don’t have money, either.

Shut up.

Work the night shift this week,

and then well see.

Maybe.

-I can’t...
- Be well.

Babies are sweet.

Know why?

They don’t need to be big shots.

Why must a Jew be clean?

Being clean on the outside
makes you clean on the inside.

Menashe, it's been a while.

How can I help you?

Sorry to bother.

I’m wondering if you had a recipe for kugel?

Since when do you cook?

Grandma, who is it?

It's just the neighbor.

So you're a homemaker now?

It's for my wife's memorial dinner.

Then let me bake it for you.

No, I want to do it.

Could I borrow a cookbook?

I’ll write a recipe for you.

Even a bear can learn to dance, they say.

Good evenin

Mrs. Klein, right?

Good evening.

Please tell your son to calm down.

I hear him jumping
on the bed half the night.

He's a handful sometimes.

But I'm grateful to have him home.

How's your family lately?

My family is large,

and their problems even larger.

This recipe is bachelor-proof.

You could help me a little?

What's this about?

Quick, bring me some towels.

You shouldn’t be so wild.

Put up your other hand.

No, the other one.

Hold it tight.

Where’s this money from?

It’s for Mommy’s memorial.

Who gave it to you?

My uncle.

What?

I don’t need his money.

Uncle says you never took care of Mom…

even when she was sick.

What?

It’s true.

Rieven isn't home.
He's shopping with Henchi.

I’m here to speak with you.

Make it quick.

I wanted to tell you that…

you've got a real home.

Yankey and Chaim get along.

I don’t have that.

My boy isn't with me.

And my job.

It’s a struggle.

It’s tough.

You have a normal livelihood.

I don’t know how you’re successful, but…

I try so hard to make things right.

I’m trying to improve.



I know, but let's see you become a mensch.

The memorial dinner is tomorrow.

I want to show you I can do this…

at my home.

I can organize everything.

The Ruv is coming.

It would be easier at my home.

Let me show you I can be independent.

Come and see.

We'll see tomorrow.

May her soul rest in peace.

Something's burning!

It's smokin !

What’s going on in there?

It’s nothing. I put it out.

What's this smoke?

This schlimazel.

Let's just go to your house.

The memorial must be held
in her husband and son's home!

But the room is full of smoke.

Wash and sit down.

We’re gonna choke in here.

Do me a favor and sit down.

The Ruv can sit there.

Does the Ruv want to wash?

How’s work?

He does Amazon.

A Hasid on Amazon?

Does the Ruv allow it?

Where are the women?

Over at Fruma's house.

This has the aftertaste of a freezer.

Anyone want some more?

Can we make the blessing?

The law states that
kugel and wine are enough.

You didn't eat the kugel?

I didn't notice anything wrong.

It doesn't taste like potatoes.

How could a kugel such as this...

not be fit for a king?

It’s burnt.

It has no flavor.

It tastes fine to me.

Let’s drink a I’chaim.

Her soul is in Heaven.

She prays before the Creator

that you may raise Rieven well.

All should say of your son,

praised be his father.

You should pray for your mother's soul.

Sing Mommy’s favorite song.

Once the mother went away

and did not come back home.

And Yankele and Shloimele

went deep into the woods.

Oh little bear, oh little bear,

please do not eat me.

Mother will come back to us

and bake us cookies, too.

The little bear went far away,

the children stood there still.

And then the woods were filled with joy

when mother came back home.

You sing beautifully.

You had a very dear mother.

She'll always protect you.

Let us sing.

Goodnight. May Leah rest peacefully.

May you raise the child well.

Good luck. Thank you.

This was an honor for the soul.

She will pray for you…

I tried. What can I say?

Have a good night.

I know I’m not perfect.

My son is my only consolation.

Why must he leave me?

The Torah says.

"Man should not be alone."

"I shall make him a companion."

As the Ruv said.

Once you find a wife,
Rieven will return to live with you.

As we a reed?

All right,
I'll bring Rieven to you tomorrow.

And I'll speak with the matchmaker.

Great, good luck.

Have a good night.

Ruveleh, are you ready for bed?

Almost.

Today was a good day, right?

I think so.

Do you think Mom would have been proud?

Of course.

She'd be very proud of how you sang.

Time for bed?

I want to stay here.

Did you say the Shema?