I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. You almost have to have exposure to what Downs children are like to really understand Lior. Children with Downs are usually very loving, open, sincere and honest, but it is balanced with deep innocence. Because of how the film was handled, I felt a real connection to Lior and his dad. I am not Jewish, so I did not really understand some of the traditions they practiced, but I enjoyed the learning experience. Lior is definitely a special guy.
I am a man, but I am not ashamed to say when Lior and his dad cried together at Devora's grave (Lior's biological mother), I cried with them. I just could not help it, especially since his mother had hoped she would live long enough to experience his Bar Mitzvah. There are glimpses of her and her story throughout the whole film. Like Devora, Lior's whole family is very supportive, especially his older brother Yoni. Yoni comes across as the perfect big brother. He's very attached to Lior, and looks upon him with nothing but loving and patient eyes. He seems like a great kid too.
I know some have said this film is superficial when it comes to Lior's spiritualness, but I personally feel they are missing the point. This film was not just about Lior and his spiritualness. It delved into the even deeper aspects of where his life might lead him, especially with the limitations that Downs will give him. He is not even completely aware they exist. I loved it when the interviewer asked him "What are you going to be when you grow up?" His very cute answer (with his big grin), "A man." He was not being a wise guy, it was a purely honest and sincere answer. It's like Downs kids are endowed with eternal innocence and love. In regards to the spiritual parts, I almost took it as how his involvement enhanced the experience for everyone around him. In that regard, they felt he was a spiritual genius. They felt a deeper connection with God vicariously through Lior.
As I said in the title of this review, some people may not get this film. I would highly recommend giving it a chance though. If you do, you must set aside any personal feelings regarding religion, and just try to focus on what the world must look like through Lior's eyes. Again, I am not Jewish, but I feel blessed for having watched this. Lior has a very charming personality, and I could not help but love him. If I could say anything to him, I'd say, "L'Chaim!"
I am a man, but I am not ashamed to say when Lior and his dad cried together at Devora's grave (Lior's biological mother), I cried with them. I just could not help it, especially since his mother had hoped she would live long enough to experience his Bar Mitzvah. There are glimpses of her and her story throughout the whole film. Like Devora, Lior's whole family is very supportive, especially his older brother Yoni. Yoni comes across as the perfect big brother. He's very attached to Lior, and looks upon him with nothing but loving and patient eyes. He seems like a great kid too.
I know some have said this film is superficial when it comes to Lior's spiritualness, but I personally feel they are missing the point. This film was not just about Lior and his spiritualness. It delved into the even deeper aspects of where his life might lead him, especially with the limitations that Downs will give him. He is not even completely aware they exist. I loved it when the interviewer asked him "What are you going to be when you grow up?" His very cute answer (with his big grin), "A man." He was not being a wise guy, it was a purely honest and sincere answer. It's like Downs kids are endowed with eternal innocence and love. In regards to the spiritual parts, I almost took it as how his involvement enhanced the experience for everyone around him. In that regard, they felt he was a spiritual genius. They felt a deeper connection with God vicariously through Lior.
As I said in the title of this review, some people may not get this film. I would highly recommend giving it a chance though. If you do, you must set aside any personal feelings regarding religion, and just try to focus on what the world must look like through Lior's eyes. Again, I am not Jewish, but I feel blessed for having watched this. Lior has a very charming personality, and I could not help but love him. If I could say anything to him, I'd say, "L'Chaim!"