Sh'hur (Magic)

This highly unusual work in the magical-realist tradition paints the portrait of a family caught between two worlds: that of traditional Morocco and modern Israel. A fabulous ensemble cast of Israel's most talented actresses features Gila Almagor (SUMMER OF AVIYA, LIFE ACCORDING TO AGFA and UNDER THE DOMIM TREE), Ronit Alkabetz (THE APPOINTED), and Hana Azoulay-Hasfari (NADIA), who wrote the script based upon her own family. Rahel, transcending her poor North African village origins, is a popular Israeli television talk show personality. While on the air one night, she learns of her father's sudden death. Her journey home conjures memories of growing up in a different world rooted in Moroccan Jewish custom, where her mother used ritual magic (sh'hur) as a solution to every problem. One brother dreams of escaping to Paris; one sister sacrifices her happiness to obey custom; and another sister, disturbed and mistreated, embodies the strains of straddling two cultures, finding relief in her connection to the spirit world. 1995 Berlin Film Festival, Special Jury Award.
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w/English Subtitle
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Running Time
100
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