Eyes Wide Open
Israel, the new millennium, and bombs are going off on the edges of Jerusalem. But these are nothing like the fireworks exploding behind the closed doors of the city's tight-knit, ultra-Orthodox community in Haim Tabakman's controversial, taboo-breaking debut feature.
In this story of forbidden love, Aaron, a happily married father of four, takes-up with Ezri, his assistant and a religious outcast. First, he is told to get rid of Ezri, then his shop is stoned and, finally, he is visited by the Decency Police, a real-life squad of enforcers that tries to keep Orthodox problems out of the eyes of the world and the secular police. Aaron's tender wife never reproaches him but her suffering is more eloquent than any protest.
How will this pair reconcile the clash between their Orthodox faith and their actions with familial responsibilities?
Premiered to much acclaim at Cannes 2009.
