Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness

Watch Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness

"Before there was Fiddler, there was Tevye... and the man who created him."
  • NR
  • 2011
  • 1 hr 33 min
  • 7.2  (183)
  • 77

Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness is a 2011 documentary directed by Joseph Dorman that tells the story of the life and work of Sholem Aleichem, one of the greatest Jewish writers of all time. The film takes us on a journey through the turbulent times of the late 19th century and early 20th century, when European Jews were facing widespread discrimination, poverty and violent pogroms. Despite these challenges, Sholem Aleichem's work managed to capture the essence of Jewish life with his unique blend of humor, satire and pathos.

The film opens with a brief history of Jewish life in Eastern Europe, focusing on the political and social upheavals of the period. We learn about the birth of the Yiddish language and culture, and how it became the vehicle for Jewish expression and creativity. It was in this context that Sholem Aleichem emerged as a towering figure, a writer who captured the spirit and nuances of Jewish life like no other.

The documentary then takes us on a tour of Sholem Aleichem's life, starting with his childhood in Ukraine and ending with his death in New York City in 1916. We learn about his early struggles as a young writer, his breakthrough success with the Tevye stories, his tireless efforts to promote Yiddish literature, and his quest to find a new home for himself and his family as the waves of anti-Semitism grew stronger.

Throughout the film, we are treated to readings of some of Sholem Aleichem's most famous works, including the Tevye stories, Menakhem-Mendl, and The Bloody Hoax. We hear from scholars and experts on Yiddish culture, who explain the significance of his work and its lasting impact on Jewish literature.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is the way it explores Sholem Aleichem's relationship with his audience. We learn about the role of the Yiddish theater in promoting his work, and how his stories were adapted to suit the tastes and expectations of different audiences. At times his work was seen as too pessimistic for American Jews, who preferred a more upbeat message, while in Poland his stories were sometimes censored for being too critical of the government.

The film also delves into the personal life of Sholem Aleichem, including his relationship with his wife and children, his struggles with depression, and his final years in America. We learn about the impact of his sudden death on the Jewish community, and how his legacy continued to inspire future generations of writers, filmmakers and artists.

Overall, Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness is a fascinating and informative documentary that sheds light on an important period in Jewish history and culture. It is a testament to the enduring power of Sholem Aleichem's work, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating Yiddish culture for future generations. The film is expertly crafted, with a mix of archival footage, interviews, and readings that keep the viewer engaged from start to finish. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Jewish history, literature or culture.

Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.

Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness
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Where to Watch Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness
Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV and Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2011
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 33 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (183)
  • Metascore
    77