Watch Golden Voices

Golden Voices is a critically acclaimed drama film directed by Evgeny Ruman and released in 2019. Set in Israel in the 1990s, the film tells the story of two Russian immigrants, Victor and Raya, who work as live-in caretakers for an elderly couple. While their job is tedious and thankless, they find solace in their shared passion for music and singing.

Victor, played by Vladimir Friedman, is a former opera singer who never realized his dream of becoming a famous performer. Raya, played by Mariya Belkina, is a talented pianist who also gave up on her musical aspirations to make a living in a foreign country. Despite their disappointments, they find joy in performing duets together whenever their work schedule allows.

Their lives take a turn when they are invited to audition for an amateur choir competition. The competition, which includes contestants from various immigrant communities in Israel, is a chance for Victor and Raya to finally showcase their talents and fulfill their musical dreams.

The film explores the challenges and complexities of the immigrant experience as well as the transformative power of music. Victor and Raya struggle to adapt to their new home and culture, and they face discrimination and prejudice from both locals and other immigrant communities. Their relationship also becomes strained as they navigate their differing attitudes towards assimilation and cultural identity.

The elderly couple they care for, who are Holocaust survivors, provide a poignant backdrop to the story. Their trauma and resilience serve as a reminder of the difficult history and ongoing struggles of the Jewish people.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Evelin Hagoel as the choir conductor who encourages and inspires the contestants, and Maria Belkin as a fellow contestant who befriends Victor and Raya.

Aside from the compelling story and performances, the film is also notable for its stunning visuals and evocative soundtrack. The cinematography captures the beauty and complexity of Israel, from the stark desert landscapes to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv. The music, which features both classical and contemporary pieces, adds an emotional depth and richness to the film.

Overall, Golden Voices is a powerful and moving film that explores universal themes of identity, belonging, and the human capacity for resilience and transformation. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to heal and inspire, even in the face of adversity.

Golden Voices is a 2022 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 70.