Nissim Notrika’s Obsession opens today in Israeli theatres. The heartfelt film about life and love is inspired by the director’s experiences growing up in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem in the 1960s.
Reymond Amsalem is luminous as ever in her role as Malka, the downtrodden mother of four, clinging devoutly to her religious faith and roguish husband Sami, played by the charming Yehezkel Lazarov. Struggling to get by financially while fighting off constant criticism from her mother (Rivka Bachar) and sister (Ofira Gold), Malka does her best and tries to appease everyone while keeping her small family together. As Sami wanders ever farther away, Malka grows more desperate.
The story is seen from the perspective of the youngest son Micha (Idan Shalev), who maintains a steady silence, while carefully observing every detail. The film conveys a wonderful sense of the period and the neighborhood, with a lively cast of supporting characters.
Obsession (Reisey Ahava) by Nissim Notrika (Israel 2011)
Cinematography: Itay Vinograd; Editing: Dory Lubliner; Art Design: Nati Betito; Costumes: Sarit Sarrara; Soundtrack: Avi Mizrahi; Music: Gady Goldman, Jonathan Bar Giora, Nissim Elhanati; Actors: Yehezkel Lazarov, Reymond Amsalem, Edna Billilious, Rivka Bachar, Yigal Adika, Eran Ben Zeev, Idan Shalev, Ofira Gold, Tamir Matok, Lirit Balaban, Yedidya Vital, Timor Cohen.
