Library Journal Review

Taking its inspiration from an ancient Jewish ruling that one person can buy another person's spot in heaven, this moving, well--produced, and beautifully photographed film tells the story of a nonobservant Israeli army captain, an admirable man with a number of flaws, especially with regard to his treatment of religion and his religious promises, who sells his place in heaven to a very devout Jewish cook under his command in exchange for a good breakfast. This nod to the Jacob and Esau story features wonderful actors and leads to a parable about modern Israel. The captain's son is born again and seeks to retrieve his father's place in the afterlife. The story itself, of an army officer who is at one time glorified and later vilified for actions during the war and of the tense familial relationships, is itself engaging; when the reflection on modern Jewish history is added, the story becomes epic. VERDICT This tale of modern Israel will appeal to lovers of films that explore serious issues.-Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.