The Year My Parents Went On Vacation

May 14, 2008 on 12:17 am | In Films/Movies, General, This and That |

“The Year My Parents Went on Vacation“, is directed by Cao Hamburger, and was produced in Brazil. The film is subtitled in English, and written in Portugese, Yiddish and Hebrew.

The movie takes place in Sao Paulo, during 1970 Brazil, when the country was run by military regime. The story line isn’t so much about the turbulence and military authority, as it is about Mauro, his coming-of-age, and the changes in his life that he encounters, and adjustments he must make, when his parents drop him off to stay with his Jewish grandfather.

Michel Joelsas, who plays 12-year old Mauro, is very good at conveying the lonely feelings of the boy, and also conveys the confusion he feels over the fact his parents are gone. He keeps asking about them, and is constantly told that they are on vacation. His life before his parents left revolved around soccer/football, and that facet of his life remains the same. In fact, the entire city population lives for the sport.

There are some humorous parts to the film, and many moments that display warmth and vibrancy. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of the Jewish community of Sao Paolo, and how we see how they adored soccer/football, as much as any other Brazilian citizen did, their passion about the game overflowing with vibrancy and exuberance, whether young or old, Orthodox Jews or not.

We are given snippets of daily life, from the apartments to the street noises, the traditions, and the food, and are given views of culture, both social and religious. The film is delightful, humorous, poignant, well-constructed and developed with social aspects, as well as historical perspectives. The cinematography is wonderful. “The Year My Parents Went on Vacation” is a film filled with humanity and acceptance. Cao Hamburger, himself, recognizes the degrees one goes through in order to feel part of their environment, due to his own background. “The Year My Parents Went on Vacation” is a brilliant reflection of his ability to infuse emotion and empathy, history and religion, within political and social confines.

I could go into more detail, but won’t, as I don’t want to give too much away.

I saw this film Saturday, and I highly recommend this film to everyone.

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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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