Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

In this week's episode, Daniel & Harry are joined by PJ Grisar, Culture Writer for The Forward, to discuss the 1971 hidden gem "The Plot Against Harry," directed by Michael Roemer and starring Martin Priest as the eponymous Harry.Listen along as they chronicle Harry’s ”teshuva” journey following his time in prison, dive into the authentic representation of a ‘70s New York Jewish community, and lose track of all the movie’s weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and other Jewish celebrations.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.IMDb PageMovie TrailerPJ Grisar on TwitterPJ’s “125 Greatest Jewish Movie Scenes” Article Series on The Forward

In this week's episode, Daniel & Harry are joined by Esther Werdiger, Art Director for Tablet Magazine, to discuss the 1972 classic comedy "The Heartbreak Kid," directed by Elaine May and starring Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, and Jeannie Berlin.Tune in as they identify within the film the hallmarks of 1970s New York Jewry, consider the film’s satirical take on the threat of Jewish assimilation, and debate the repulsiveness of getting an egg salad sandwich all over your faceAs always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.IMDb PageMovie Trailer

In this week's episode, Daniel & Harry discuss the 2009 anxiety-inducing film "A Serious Man," directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Michael Stuhlbarg. They touch on the meaning of Larry's dreams, explore the challenges of being logical in an increasingly illogical and unpredictable world, and unpack the cryptic messages and parables offered by the film’s 3 rabbis.They wrap up the episode by serving up a 3 course meal rating of the Jewishness of the film, based on its cast & crew, content, and themes.IMDbMovie Trailer

In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry welcome Rachel Rosenfeld, Executive Director of Mercaz Seattle to discuss the 1995 classic "Clueless," starring Alicia Silverstone as the iconic Cher. They consider the resonance of Cher’s embodiment of the Jewish American Princess (JAP), break down the California traffic one might face to go to a party all the way in the valley, the timelessness of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and more!IMDbYouTube trailerMercaz Seattle

In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry head outdoors for a special in-person recording where they discuss Barry Levinson's 2021 film “The Survivor.” They consider the movie’s themes of assimilation and survival, its cinematic depiction of the concentration camps, and its attempts at presenting scenes of violent boxing without seeming exploitative. As always, they end the episode by rating the film’s Jewishness.Make sure to follow on instagram @jewsonfilm and TikTok @jewsonfilmpod and don't forget to rate and review the podcast!IMdBTrailerSoCalled - "(Rock The) Belz"Talia & Ensemble de Kol Aviv - Mayn Shtetele Belz

In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry are joined by the stars of the 2 Movie Jews podcast Yechiel Hoffman and Jodi Berman. Together, they discuss Quentin Tarantino's 2009 World War II epic "Inglourious Basterds," starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, and Christoph Waltz.Tune in as they explore the film's theme of hiding from one's past, discuss the representation of powerful Jews on screen, and consider the film as a testament to the power of storytelling.Trailer IMDb Listen to 2 Movie Jews on SpotifyListen to 2 Movie Jews on Apple Podcasts

In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry chat about Shawn Levy's "This is Where I Leave You," starring Jason Bateman, Jane Fonda, and a whole cast of recognizable (if not very Jewish...) faces.Listen in as they dive into how the film explains Shiva to its broad audience, reflect on their own relationships with their siblings, and analyze how the characters rethink the trajectories of their lives when faced with death.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film in terms of its Jewishness.Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?=v=fH0cEP0mvlU&ab_channel=WarnerBros.PicturesIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1371150

In this exciting season two premiere, Harry and Daniel are joined by Jen Stewart of the Borscht Belt Tattler podcast to discuss "Mr Saturday Night" starring and directed by Billy Crystal.Jen explains why she chose the film, her connection to the Borscht Belt, and even surprises Harry and Daniel with a pop quiz on famous Jewish comedians and their real Hebrew names!Movie TrailerIMDB summaryBorscht Belt Tattler Podcast

In this season 1 finale to Jews on Film, Daniel and Harry are joined by Etan Basseri for a discussion on Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris," starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams.Tune into their discussion on the pitfalls of giving ourselves over to too much nostalgia, the positive relationship Judaism and Jewish culture has with its past, and the time periods they'd most want to be magically and inexplicably transported to.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film in terms of its Jewishness.Trailer: https://youtu.be/FAfR8omt-CYIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11271038/Etan's Children's Book, A Persian PassoverThe White Balloon Trailer

In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry are guestless as they unpack Paul Thomas Anderson's 2021 Oscar Nominated “Licorice Pizza,” starring Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman.Listen in as they reminisce on Daniel's childhood in the San Fernando Valley, discuss the concept of the "Nice Jewish Boy" (NJB) and its presence in the film, and finally learn how to pronounce the director and star of "Yentl's" last name (Strei-SAND, like the ocean).Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofnXPwUPENo&ab_channel=MGMIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11271038/