Esau (2019)

Esau Poster

A 40-year-old writer returns to his family house where he was raised and that he escaped after half a lifetime - to face his brother who stayed instead, inherited their family bakery and married the woman who they both loved.

Film Overview
"Esau" is a 2019 drama movie adjustment directed by Pavel Lungin. Based upon an unique by Israeli novelist Meir Shalev, the movie reflects religions and the significance of cultural heritage. The thought-provoking film features Harvey Keitel, a prominent actor known for his successful acting profession, and newbies Mark Ivanir and Lior Ashkenazi.

Plot Summary
The motion picture unfolds the story of a love triangle filled with jealousy and competition. Esau is a modern-day adaptation of the biblical tale of the two bros, Jacob and Esau. Lior Ashkenazi plays Esau, a tired author who resides in London and works as a cleaner. After two decades abroad, Esau returns to his hometown in Israel to care for his ailing dad. He finds his sibling, Max (Mark Ivanir), has actually taken control of the household's pastry shop and is now wed to his former girlfriend, Rachel (Yuliya Peresild).

Family Dynamics and Love Triangle
It ends up being apparent on Esau's return that his familial relationships are strained and made complex. The continuous sibling rivalry between the now-grown bros comes from their dad's favoritism towards Max. Their relationship even more degrades when Esau feels replaced in Rachel's life. In spite of remaining quite in love with her, Esau has a hard time to assert his existence and supremacy since she is now Max's better half. This love triangle intensifies the drama and fuel the story, taking a toll on every character included.

Style and Symbolism
"Esau" is an expedition of love, hate, jealousy, and family dynamics in light of spiritual and cultural elements. Significance plays an essential role in the film. In one substantial scene, doves fly out of the bakeshop's indication-- an act that referrals peace and flexibility. The movie makes use of these symbolic components to embed much deeper psychological and metaphysical messages.

Characters and Performances
Ashkenazi, in the lead role, provides an effective efficiency. His character, Esau, is multi-layered, showcasing angst, heartbreak, and longing. Ivanir, as Max, and Peresild, as Rachel, are similarly engaging, imbuing their functions with a best mix of depth and complexity. The ensemble cast is further strengthened by Harvey Keitel's flawless acting abilities. He represents the family's father with astute understanding, drawing out the essence of complicated family dynamics through his nuanced efficiency.

Cinematography and Direction
From a technical perspective, the movie excellently encapsulates the beauty and simplicity of the Israeli location. The cinematography take advantage of the picturesque information of the environment and records the emotional depth of the lead characters. Director Pavel Lungin makes use of a remarkable, deliberate narrative style, and his special storytelling technique makes "Esau" a cinematic treat.

Conclusion
"Esau" is a profound, brooding tale about love, jealousy, and sibling rivalry, teeming with religious significance and cultural contexts. The movie's narrative complexity, combined with the gripping performances of its cast, makes it an intriguing watch for anyone who appreciates deeply emotive movie theater. Regardless of its calm speed, "Esau" uses an intense and layered representation of complex family characteristics, delivering a strong commentary on the human condition and the corrosive power of envy and unsatisfied desires.

Top Cast

  • Lior Ashkenazi (small)
    Lior Ashkenazi
    Esau
  • Mark Ivanir (small)
    Mark Ivanir
    Jacob
  • Yulia Peresild (small)
    Yulia Peresild
    Sarah
  • Harvey Keitel (small)
    Harvey Keitel
    Abraham
  • Omer Goldman
    Romi
  • Shira Haas (small)
    Shira Haas
    Teen Lea
  • Valery Smirnov
    Michael
  • Kseniya Rappoport (small)
    Kseniya Rappoport
    Cheznous
  • Orly Tobaly
    Lea
  • Yoav Rotman
  • Lion Ravich