Soldiers, survivors and lovable rogues: the new wave of Jewish cinema
Uncut Gems is one of a host of upcoming releases, also including Nazi satire Jojo Rabbit, that prove Jewish characters can be more than kvetching cosmopolitans
At the recent post-premiere party for Uncut Gems, held at the the legendary New York delicatessen Katz’s, I found myself talking with some fellow Jewish film critics. “That guy,” one said, “really reminded me of a family friend.” He was talking about Howard Ratner, the diamond district hustler played by Adam Sandler in the latest from Josh and Benny Safdie. “I have a cousin just like him,” another added. “I don’t think he’s allowed back in the country.” I was still too thunderstruck to speak. The truth is, were it not for a few life choices, Ratner could have been me.
Ratner in Uncut Gems is only the most exciting example of this season’s NCJs – New Cinematic Jews. We also have Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit and the Israeli-French film Synonyms. Although there has been no shortage of Jewish characters in movies and TV over the years, they tend to be primarily sardonic, rootless cosmopolitans kvetching about social encounters while working on a novel. Or Mrs Maisel. It’s not a bad look, but considering the recent surge in antisemitism in the US and UK, it can’t hurt to mix it up a little.