Magic Men

The 22^nd Greek film festival kicked off in Melbourne on October 14, featuring a mammoth selection of films screened over a 19-day period. Premiering in Melbourne from October 16, Magic Men tells the story of a journey about reminiscence, education and reconciliation. Three screenings are offered at Palace Cinemas, Como, on October 16, 24 and 28.

Guy Nattiv and Erez Tadmor’s Magic Men follows an elderly Jewish man, Avraham, on his travels from Israel to Greece in search of his “magician” saviour from during the holocaust. In a dubious yet critic-praised twist, Avraham is played by an Arab man, Makram Khoury.

Avraham travels to Greece with his Hasidic (ultra orthodox) rapper son, Yehuda (Zohar Shtrauss), whom he has had a somewhat fractured relationship with due to years of separation.

Magic Men is rather confronting at moments as the film offers the viewer a backstory of persecution and the holocaust. Despite this, viewers receive a personal and heartfelt yet poignant view into the reunion of an estranged father and son, who soon reconcile. Not without comedic moments, the film still remains surprisingly light-hearted and uplifting at times.

Viewers are treated to a masterful portrayal of Greece’s majestic landscapes, history and folklore. As well as a reminded of the country’s dismal economic situation. The plot prominently focuses on Avraham’s search for his saviour who rescued him from the Nazis 60 years earlier. Maria, a Greek prostitute, proves to be an engaging and helpful character who aids the pair in their search for the magician.

The film is an emotional and heart-warming journey that is filled with melodramatic moments, and grounded by the realism of religious persecution. Magic Men gives us a precise insight into life’s meaning to different people.

The Delphi Bank 22nd Greek Film Festival runs from Wednesday October 14 until Sunday November 1 at Cinema Como at 299 Toorak Road, South Yarra.