Metzitzim

Watch Metzitzim

  • 1973
  • 7.1  (490)

Metzitzim, also known as Peeping Toms in English, is a classic Israeli comedy from 1972 that delves into the lives of two newly retired men, Gavriel and Hannan, who are in search of youthful adventures. The movie seamlessly captures the aura of the mid-70s in Israel, and its beautiful and unspoiled beaches. It has a terrific cast that includes the iconic Israeli actor and musician, Arik Einstein, along with Uri Zohar and Sima Eliyahu.

The film's plot revolves around the lives of Gavriel and Hannan, two friends who were once lifeguards at a beach in Tel Aviv. They now have retired but are seeking some adventure in their senior years. They live in a small apartment building located near the beach, which is a place of constant activity and entertainment.

From their apartment, they have a perfect view of the beach, a place where young women of all shapes and sizes come to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy life. The two men become bored with their daily routine and scheme ways to spice up their lives. One of their ideas is to peep on the women sunbathing, which leads to hilarious and embarrassing situations for them as some of the women catch them in the act.

Along with their mischievous exploits, Gavriel and Hannan each have their own unique issues. Gavriel is a bachelor who is struggling with loneliness, while Hannan has a wife, Sarah, who still works as a waitress in a nearby restaurant with the same excitement she had when she first started the job. Matters become more complicated when their landlord, Fidelman, informs them that he is selling the building, forcing the tenants to move out.

The two friends attempt to come up with a plan to prevent themselves and the other tenants from leaving the apartment building, but it looks like their efforts are going to be in vain. In the end, they turn to their old lifeguard friend, Meir, for help, which leads to a final, unforgettable scene that leaves audiences laughing and smiling.

The overall theme of Metzitzim is the struggle of senior citizens with monotony and the thirst for adventure. Gavriel and Hannan are not content to just sit around and watch the world go by; they want to experience life and have fun. Their urge for adventure is infectious, as it inspires the other older men and women in their apartment building to help them in their efforts to save their homes.

The movie uses the picturesque landscape of the beach and its busy environment as a backdrop to the main story. It portrays the beach culture of the mid-1970s in Israel, which was characterized by young people's free-spiritedness and their quest for adventures. The movie captures the essence of that era perfectly, from the music and the clothes to the hairstyles and beach equipment.

The acting in the film is top-notch, with the lead actors delivering excellent performances that resonate with Israeli audiences. Arik Einstein's portrayal of Gavriel is especially noteworthy, as he conveys the character's loneliness and desire to have a companion in a charming and realistic way. Sima Eliyahu also delivers an outstanding performance as Sarah, Hannan's wife, who despite her age, shows a zest for life that is missing from her husband's routine.

In conclusion, Metzitzim is a timeless classic that is still loved by Israelis today. It is a fun-filled and heartwarming comedy that speaks to older audiences looking to relive the good old days. The movie is a testament to the ingenuity of Israeli cinema during the mid-70s and captures the free-spirited lifestyle that was so popular in Israel at the time. Watching Metzitzim is a must for anyone who wants to experience the wacky, yet lovable, characters and laugh-out-loud situations that have made this movie a beloved classic.

Metzitzim
Metzitzim doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1973
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (490)