Watch The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem is a new Israeli television series that premiered on Netflix in 2021. It is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Sarit Yishai-Levi, which was published in 2013. The series boasts an impressive cast, including Michael Aloni, Irit Kaplan, and Swell Ariel Or.

Set in Jerusalem from the early 20th century to the 1980s, it tells the story of the Ermoza family, specifically the women in the family, as they navigate through the changing times of the city and their own individual struggles. The show explores themes such as family dynamics, tradition vs. modernity, class divide, and political upheavals in Jerusalem.

Central to the story is the character of Luna, played by Irit Kaplan. She is the matriarch of the Ermoza family and a former beauty queen, hence the title. Luna is a powerful and dominant figure who rules over her family with an iron fist. Her husband, Albert (played by Meir Golan), is a successful lawyer who is also involved in politics. They have three children - Avraham, Rachel, and David.

Avraham, played by Michael Aloni, is the eldest son and the family favorite. He is a successful businessman who takes care of the family's finances. However, he is also married to a woman named Rivka (played by Tamar Caplan), whom Luna disapproves of. Avraham and Rivka's relationship is one of the key subplots of the show, as their love for each other is complicated by their differences in background and beliefs.

Rachel, played by Hadas Yaron, is the middle child and the only daughter. She is also the black sheep of the family, having rebelled against Luna's expectations of her. Rachel is a free spirit, a talented artist, and a lover of literature. She wants to pursue her dreams and live life on her own terms, but her family disapproves of her choices. Rachel's story arc is about finding her place in the world and reconciling her independent spirit with her love for her family.

David, played by Amit Rahav, is the youngest son who becomes involved in the Zionist movement and eventually fights in the Israeli War of Independence. David's story is intertwined with the socio-political landscape of Jerusalem, as he navigates through the complex issues of nationalism, identity, and personal sacrifice.

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem is not just a family drama, but also a historical drama that highlights the evolution of Jerusalem throughout the 20th century. It was a time of great change for the city, and this is reflected in the show's attention to detail in its production design and costume design. The show beautifully captures the old-world charm of pre-state Jerusalem, with its narrow streets and traditional architecture, as well as the contrast with the modernity of contemporary Jerusalem in later episodes.

Aside from the core cast, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem also features a talented ensemble cast of supporting actors, including Gila Almagor, Lenny Ravich, and Daniella Doron. The show is well-written and well-directed, with each episode building up to a satisfying climax. The show's pacing is leisurely, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the lives of the Ermoza family and the world they inhabit.

In conclusion, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem is a must-watch for fans of family drama and historical drama. It is a poignant and richly detailed portrait of a family, a city, and a time. With great performances from its cast and a compelling story, it is a show that will leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on June 7, 2021.