The Matchmaker

“The Matchmaker” is an Israeli film written and directed by Avi Nesher who tells this story of Holocaust survivors living in Haifa and how they cope and adapt to the life they found in Israel. Deceptive as it is, the title of the film tells the story of a very serious and professional matchmaker who influences and plays a part in the lives of so many people in his city and, especially, one 16 year old boy.. It is a “coming of age” film where the son of a survivor learns so much about the things that happened over “there” (as the film’s characters refer to the camps and terror of Europe under the Nazi regime). The cloud over the entire film or the “elephant in the room”, if you will, is the Holocaust yet this novel and unique way of relating how these survivors cope with their past and its horrors makes for an interesting and informative movie experience. It is also, without a doubt, a clear view of life as it existed in Haifa, Israel in 1968. Notwithstanding a running time of 112 minutes and English titles translating the Hebrew dialogue, this is a film well worth seeing. I give it 3 and ½ stars with special accolades to Adir Miller (who plays the title role). Mr. Miller is a noted Israeli screenwriter and comedian who once again confirms that although serious actors may not be able to play comic roles well,  comic actors can usually excel in serious parts... He, together with Maya Dagan and Tuval Shafir  help make the viewing of this film so meaningful and rewarding and explain its many nominations for Israeli film awards.