Menashe

"The premise for Menashe makes it seem like a typical underdog story. Set in a social pocket of modern Brooklyn, the film follows the unorthodox titular character looking to subvert the norms of his completely orthodox Jewish community. He’s a widower looking to raise his boy by himself – a total no-no in the faith’s eye. The Rabbi wants/needs him to remarry, but Menashe has no interest in the matchmaking process."

"Performed in Yiddish and shot in Brooklyn's Borough Park, this is a rare insight into Orthodox Jewish culture."

"The plot is a touch obvious, but Menashe still plays like a more culturally specific Kramer vs. Kramer, setting up a testy, fascinating dynamic between micromanaging rabbis and a naturally warm dad with wisdom of his own."

"My heart broke a little near the end of "Menashe," a sweet comedy that's not without a bit of sadness. For sure, this funny and tender film prompts cheerful smiles, but sometimes they turn melancholy."

"Menashe is a deeply felt and absorbing Yiddish-language drama about New York Hasidic Jews."

"These are the films we celebrate."

"As if the Dardennes came to Brooklyn, only funnier."

"Menashe credits its audience with enough tenacity and intelligence to dig beneath its gentle nature and ascribe meaning to the film's subtle gestures."

"Weinstein's charming Menashe immerses us in an authentic environment of ultra-Orthodox Judaism and makes it relatable by weaving a sweet story familiar in its general contours, of a single father struggling to hold onto the son he loves."

"Doubling as a fascinating look at a subculture that is normally sealed off from the rest of us and a gently amusing comedy of manners, this manages to say an awful lot by, paradoxically, saying it endearingly gently."