Athalia (1984)
Directed by Akiva Teveth
Run Time - 80 min. |
Countries - Israel |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Eleanor Mannikka
The focus of this uneven feminist drama is Athalia (Michal Bat-Adam), a fortysomething, independent-minded, non-conformist widow who has a forbidden affair with an 18-year-old (Yiptach Katzur) and as a consequence confronts the rejection of her daughter (Gail Ben-Ner) and the kibbutz in which they live. Athalia talks, acts, and dresses as she pleases, so when her affair with the young man becomes known, the kibbutz leaders have the excuse they need to ostracize her. The slow degeneration of the once-idealistic kibbutz, the conformity of her daughter, and the strait-jacket of a conservative view of masculinity provide a backdrop to Athalia's problems.
Characteristics
Keywords
conformity, extramarital-affair, ostracism, rejection, widow/widower, women's-issues