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Whodidthewhatnow's avatar

This film has been on my watchlist and I’m looking forward to seeing it. Albeit I find Eisenberg insufferable most of the time (Bill Maher did a good job inadvertently taking him down a notch the other week). But curious if anyone watched the CBS Sunday Morning segment on the film. It just showcased what an awful network it is. I enjoyed Sunday Morning prior to 10/7, but they’ve been promoting BS storylines and blood libels in an attempt to present a balanced narrative. Sure, talk about Palestinian plight, but don’t give air to the genocide narrative and showcase fake X-rays that claim IDF is targeting children. Even worse, yesterday, after a week in which there was no mention of Jews during Holocaust Remembrance Day in many places, Tracy Smith kept her focus on the struggle of Polish people. Who were those Polish people, I wonder? Why ever did they ‘leave’? Well, Mr. Eisenberg certainly didn’t correct that. I’m just finding it very hard not to bitter these days and not come off as crazy when deriding these networks and outlets like NYT, NPR, etc.. So many people I really like/love, in particular my non-Jewish friends and family, just can’t see it. Instead, they’ll ask why I’m not offended by Elon Musk or someone who has made a dumb joke in the past (like all of us). But when I send over anything, I’m being too paranoid and need to step back a bit (which is true). I feel like I need a portable personal Douglass Murray to talk some sense everyone.

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Jill's avatar

I think Jesse Eisenberg is walking a very fine line - he wants to promote his film about Jewish themes and not get enmeshed in the yelling about the Israel-Hamas War. He's no Jonathan Glazer (and thank God), so he tries to pivot whenever the subject comes up. I'm not saying that he's right or wrong to do that, but I would also argue it's not necessarily his responsibility to correct poor and ahistorical framing on the part of CBS Sunday Morning.

The issues you're bringing up are absolutely worth discussing, and they're important - but they're not necessarily Jesse Eisenberg's personal responsibility to address in his film promotion. That's my take, anyway.

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Whodidthewhatnow's avatar

You’re right and he’s definitely no Glazer (woof 🤦‍♂️). Yes, the end of the day, who are we to judge Eisenberg’s lack of commentary on Jewish current events (thanks turning down the dial on my emotional response). It’s a glass half full or empty deal and unfortunately he has to consider his livelihood and safety (depending on what he would say). Overall, I’d rather celebs say less or nothing, particularly if they have no skin in the game. I appreciate him bringing this topic to the forefront, especially after reading Dara Horn’s book. On the emotional front, I just get peeved when the Chapelle Roan’s (who I don’t mind and think is very talented) of the world feel the need to baselessly inject themselves into the conversation, but yet Jews in show business have to tread the line. These times are good lessons on the importance of separating art from the artist. The redline differs from artist to artist.

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Darling Sneauxflayke's avatar

I am not Jewish but I've seen what you've seen. I thought I was just being ultra sensitive in behalf of my Jewish friends and family. And I second your motion for a portable Douglas Murray. Maybe a plushie toy with a drawstring or a remote controlled one with numbered and assigned rejoinders.

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Steve S's avatar

Based on your 5 star review I will see this movie.

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Sk's avatar

I agree. A great & original story. Benji absolutely broke my heart. His grief was palpable to me. This had humorous parts but I would definitely not call it a comedy as I’ve seen it advertised. I would see it again alone so I can really cry, in spite of the pain.

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Jill's avatar

The acting was superb.

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Ronda Wells MD's avatar

Had the privilege to read the screenplay. Its great!

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Shaun's avatar

I'm always concerned when Poles are involved in anything related to antisemitism or the Holocaust. I had planned on skipping this film for exactly that reason, but if you're recommending it, maybe I'll give it a watch. Is there an attempt to sweep Polish complicity under the rug?

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Jill's avatar
Feb 3Edited

I used to think that way before I actually visited Poland. Yes, the complicity is historically true and you can see it everywhere, but they've largely embraced their role in that conflict, not unsimilar to Germany. Currently the most Zionist countries in Europe are Poland and Germany. Are you aware that the largest annual klezmer festival is in Krakow?

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Kip🎗️'s avatar

I’m curious for the context of Poland being one of the two most Zionist countries in Europe. Does that refer to the people or the government? As you’re likely aware, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu didn’t attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz because the Polish government indicated it might honor the ICC’s bogus arrest warrant on him.

I have not see the film but I’m curious about it, based on your review but also Mallory Mosner’s, which is basically a no- or one-star review that credibly accuses Jesse Eisenberg of whitewashing Poland’s complicity in the Holocaust. Poland also has a law on the books that criminalizes accusing Poland of that.

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Jill's avatar

The law you're referring to was repealed shortly after it passed due to international protests. I'm not trying to minimize the Poles' complicity in the Holocaust; it's absolutely a topic worth exploring. I can only tell you what I saw when I went there on a trip like the one depicted in the film. It's definitely a country that's evolved significantly, especially in the last 2 decades or so.

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Not so young anymore.'s avatar

Thanks for reviewing this film. Now I will consider seeing it.

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Arrr Bee's avatar

Thanks for the review. Considering Eisenberg’s mealy mouthed inability in interviews to state the Holocaust was about Jews, I’m going to skip any attempt to normalize the Holocaust into an international experience, rather than an explicitly Jewish one, targeted by explicit insane and pervasive anti-Jewish racism. Hollywood’s progressives can go drive right into a fire.

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wendy rose's avatar

I also recommend Treasure w Stephan Fry and Lena Dunham.

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April's avatar

Thai is for this. I rarely seen movies but I like to know what’s going on.

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