Eight Films to watch this Tisha b’Av
On Tisha B'Av, we observe a day of solemn reflection, fasting, and mourning, commemorating the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem and various other tragic events in Jewish history. It is traditional to abstain from both Torah learning and entertainment, and to engage in contemplative activities that mirror the somber tone of the day. Films that echo themes of destruction, introspection, and serious contemplation have become fitting vehicles for this observance, helping us engage more deeply with the spirit of the day. Thus, the custom of watching sad, usually shoah-centered, movies on Tisha b’Av was born. From Holocaust memoirs like "The Pianist" that graphically depict the horrors of genocide, to introspective narratives like "The Little Things" that explore a young man's spiritual crisis, these films offer perspectives on loss, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. They challenge us to confront the darker sides of history and humanity while also asking us to consider the capacity for hope, love, and survival amidst devastation.
We’ve garnered a list of our favorite serious films to watch this Tisha b’Av, outside of just the scope of the Shoah. The films listed here serve as powerful vehicles for reflection of the themes within Tisha b’Av.
Waltz with Bashir
Dir. Ari Folman, 2008 This film takes us through the murkiness of war and the vagueness of memory, as Folman, an Israeli filmmaker, traverses the blurry line between reality and remembered experiences, piecing together eerie flashbacks from the Lebanon War. The striking realization of his complicity in the Sabra and Shatila massacre triggers a profound personal reckoning, forcing Folman to face his past. This animated documentary's unique blend of personal narrative and historical reality makes it an extraordinarily impactful cinematic piece. Moreover, its themes of individual guilt, collective responsibility, and the indelible nature of memory resonate deeply with the introspective spirit of Tisha B'Av, a day of communal mourning and reflection. The film's poignant portrayal of loss and destruction further aligns it with the central themes of Tisha B'Av, thereby making Waltz with Bashir a profoundly relevant choice for this day of remembrance.
The Little Things
Dir Michal Aronzon, 2019 Set amidst religious and secular divides, The Little Things traces the spiritual crisis of Yudale, a young believer. Guided by Michal, a Tel Aviv director, Yudale films his life between Tko'a and Tel Aviv, documenting poignant interactions with his dying father, Rabbi Menachem Fruman, and his own process of self-discovery. After his father's death, he removes his kippah and ventures into a life beyond religion. When despair creeps in, Elisheva, a newly observant Jew, enters his life, catalyzing his journey. This film compellingly explores faith, identity, and transition, making it a poignant piece of cinema.
Shoah
Dir. Claude Lanzmann, 1985 Claude Lanzmann's opus, which took over ten years to create, is an immense exploration of the unimaginable: the Nazi's genocide of over six million Jews. Lanzmann shuns archival footage and instead puts a spotlight on firsthand accounts from survivors, former Nazis, and other witnesses, using a non-linear, associative approach to compile them. Shoah is not a film that digs into the past; rather, it is an intense illustration of how the past always permeates the present. Undeniably, it ranks among the most significant cinematic creations ever produced. (It’s also 9 hours long, so best to watch this in parts)
The Pianist
Dir. Roman Polanski, 2002 The iconic Holocaust memoir graphically depicts the horrors that unfolded. It follows a Jewish pianist, played by Adrian Brody, in hiding from the Nazis. This is an intense and graphic film; not for the casual viewers.
Night and Fog
Dir. Alain Resnais, 1956 Alain Resnais' seminal 1956 documentary, Night and Fog, offers a stark examination of the Holocaust's horrors. Set a decade after the liberation of the concentration camps, the film juxtaposes haunting past images with the eerie quiet of the present-day ruins. Night and Fog dives deep into the human capacity for violence and cruelty, evoking reflection on the terrifying depths of destruction. This powerful cinematic work resonates with the solemnity of Tisha B'Av, a day devoted to remembering tragedies and communal suffering.
Inglourious Basterds
Dir. Quentin Tarantino, 2009 Quentin Tarantino has mastered the art of revenge fantasy films. This one follows a group of Jewish US Army soldiers (who bear names like “Sgt. Donny Donowitz”) looking to kill as many Nazis as they can and to bring them down. Watch for a satisfying ending of fantastical destruction.
Call Me By Your Name
Dir. Luca Guadagnino, 2017 This film beautifully captures the heartache of first love. Set in 1980s Italy, it charts the intense summer romance between Elio, a young man at his family's villa, and Oliver, a charismatic American scholar. Elio's journey, filled with longing, love, and loss, serves as a profound exploration of human relationships. This evocative film prompts introspection on love and identity, aligning with the reflective tone of Tisha B'Av.
Oppenheimer
Dir. Christopher Nolan, 2023 Unfolding amidst the turmoil of World War II, the narrative trails J. Robert Oppenheimer through various stages of his groundbreaking yet destructive invention - the atom bomb. The central theme revolves around destruction, particularly humanity's innate propensity towards self-destruction. Despite its unconventional inclusion in a Tisha B'Av watch list, we assure you it offers the destructive, and somewhat existential themes sought after on this solemn day. (An added plus is Oppenheimer himself was Jewish)