Movie – Hayuta and Berl (épilogue)

Movie – Hayuta and Berl (also the original title)

French title -Épilogue
Score : 8/10
Year : 2012 (Israel), 2014 (France)
Director : Amir Manor
Country : Israel
Language : Hebrew (I think also a bit of Russian).
Duration: 1h32

I don’t tend to like Israeli movies, but this one is quite good. It follows almost completely on Hayuta (80 years old) and Berl (84) Hoz, distraught at the current state of the indifference they meet as well as Israeli politics and society at large, and which have shifted away from idealistic socialism and mutual help which propelled the creation of the nation. They feel quite out of place in modern society, and the many changes of the past 55 years. 

The movie evolves during a few turning-point days of their long life together; their daily struggles, their loneliness and despair, and their relationship on the brink of an abyss. 

The tone is set right from the first few, slow minutes to start, and a series of tests the couple must endure at their home, in order to receive social funds from the Kafkaesque government… 

The cinematography is aptly chosen, as the camera pans gently, steadily and slowly for each change of scenery in the image of this old couple’s aged bodies, their ailment and their slow resolve in life.

The musical score is mostly composed with a piano, varying in tempo at times to represent tension, suspense, or romantic moments. 

I found the choice of making Berl call a radio station as his was listening to it, and thus creating interference and distorted noise to be a bit irksome, yet logical as another way to depict the distortion Berl feels from society, as his socialist dreams aren’t met by the modern community, and ridiculed by the radio’s host. 

Mostly, however, I was agreeably surprised with the poignant acting by Yosef Carmon (Berl) and Rivka Gur (Hayua), the two main characters; they were each moving as they were affectionate, tender and caring, ; kept me on guard as they were facing difficult situations, and ultimately made me, the viewer, care about them. 

The movie depicts a societal issue: the regard to our elders have lost its meaning, as respect has been replaced by indifference. However, as its progresses, it also gives hope, as Hayuta & Berl both meet at moments with helping hands, and thus in spite of the adversity, there is a possibility of an improvement – a statement made clear also in dialogue. This duality is again presented at the very end of the movie, with a bittersweet note as the curtain closes down. 



Hayuta & Berl... in the media

Épilogue... dans les médias

I rented the French DVD edition, in Zone 2, EAN 3700782600715. The movie in 16/9 format. 
Sound : Dolby Digital. Languges : Hebrew (original) 5.1 ; French dub 2.0
Subtitles :only French.

bonus : 6 deleted scenes (total 16 minutes) and a short film by the same director: Ruin. Carefull, it is graphic, telling the story of three teenagers who take refuge in a building in ruins, after committing a murder. They are stained with blood, and at least one character vomits from guilt. There's nudity (both male and female).

Suspecting that the content would be shocking, I preferred not watch it, but fast forwarded the dvd - confirming my apprehension. So I warn you: do not let your children in front of it.

I have no idea if there is worse, or any sexuality as I only skimmed through the first few moments. 

I think the goal is clear in this short movie : dimistiy and deter from murder, showing its horrible aspect, unlike many productions glamorizing this barbaric act and suggests that there are no consequences.
Being too sensitive to watch 45 minutes of 3 people stained with blood, I avoid.