Mondays at 7:30 p.m.: The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades will present its popular film discussion series Top Films You May Have Missed with five sensational films, each introduced with commentary by Andrew Lazarus, a Parsons film studies expert, and followed by an optional discussion. To enhance the experience and to provide people with the opportunity to connect with fellow movie lovers, participants are given tools to identify plot lines, design elements, character development, thematic nuances and how they contribute to a well-crafted film. All films are in English and coffee and light snacks are included.
Sept 26: The Bicycle Thieves
This Vittorio De Sica masterpiece is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time. A young father searches post WW II Rome for his stolen bicycle, which he desperately needs for his job that allows him to support his young family.
Nov 7: Campfire [Medurat HaShevet]
Winner of five Israeli Academy Awards, this Joseph Cedar (writer/director) film tells the story of a young mother and her two beautiful teenage daughters who battle for acceptance into the founding group of a new settlement in the West Bank.
Nov 28: Bridge of Spies
This Stephen Spielberg espionage thriller with a twist is based on real-life events during the Cold War. An American lawyer, Tom Hanks, is recruited by the CIA to defend Soviet Spy Mark Rylance, in his Oscar-winning role.
Dec 19: Footnote [Hearat Shulayim]
Two rival Talmud scholars, who happen to be father and son, struggle with different opinions about life, including the father’s deep disapproval of his son’s publishing success. “One of the smartest and most merciless comedies in a long time” – Roger Ebert. Won best screenplay of 2012 at Cannes.
Jan 23: 400 Blows
Francois Truffaut’s semi-autobiographical debut is a defining film of the French New Wave that depicts the moving story of a young boy who is considered a trouble-maker by his parents and teachers as he delves into a life of petty crime.
Fee per film: $5 JCC members, $8 public. Register for all five movies and save: series $20 JCC members, $32 public. For further information and registration, visit the JCC website at www.jccotp.org or call 201-408-1493.
By JLNJ Staff
