While some of the above reviews found this movie "superficial" and lacking in philosophy, my own experience is that the movie speaks for itself. The dialog doesn't attempt to guide you to any specific conclusions, but it does encourage philosophical thought. Since this is a documentary, and all of the footage is real, you can see and judge for yourself about the philosophy. It won't be spoon-fed to you. Which in my opinion is the best way to present something like this. If you can walk away from this movie without thinking about things with a wider view, then you missed the whole movie. It also gives an inside view of some of the Jewish culture, and shows his actual Bar Mitzvah, and the preparations leading up to it. It was educational for me. Thumbs up!
3 Reviews
A cute story, but superficial
Etoile30 October 2009
This is a very cute story, but there could have been a lot more to it. The story is only about Lior's journey to his bar mitzvah, and there are only two brief moments of philosophical exploration. The first is when Lior's father says that Lior has fewer "veils" between himself and God, and the second is when a woman suggests that Lior is just imitating that which earned him praise when he was younger. There's a lot of room for philosophy here, and the movie could have been a lot longer. But it's not - there's only the story of a young man.
Praying with Lior is definitely cute. Lior himself is very high-functioning and I think this movie is relevant to both the Jewish community and intellectual disability communities. It's a fun watch, but don't look for too much in-depth philosophy.
Praying with Lior is definitely cute. Lior himself is very high-functioning and I think this movie is relevant to both the Jewish community and intellectual disability communities. It's a fun watch, but don't look for too much in-depth philosophy.
Some people may not get it
darian-caplinger8 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
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!"
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