I remember you saying that "Stranger" was your gift of love to the Jewish people.

It seems like this reviewer "got it."

"A Stranger Among Us" was one of my very favorite movies long before I knew Robert. Of course, now that I have met him, I know why I liked it so much.

A Stranger Among Us is one one my favorite films!

In the link, only 21 Jewish movies were listed, (or did i miss something ;-( ?)

Anyone know what the other 4 were?

surprising that some classic really good ones were missed:

Schindler's List
QB7 (ok, a mini-series, but could have been just a really long film)
Hester Street
Crossing Delancey
Cast a Giant Shadow
Enemies, A Love Story
Jakob the Liar
The Ten Commandments

I would rate *any* of these higher than the anti-Orthodox 'Above Rubies'

Jake:

Hiller really does get the film.

Dr. Carol:

Lucky you didn't see Body Double before you met me.

Exdem:

Hiller is in countdown mode. Yet to be named are #'s 4,3,2 and 1.

You'll have to keep reading for the next few weeks to find out how the list ends.

Your list is really good.

Robert - based on what I have read I had to order the movie. I would say between the movies I have seen of yours you are an eclectic screenwriter ;-)

In your interview you stated: "Q: How do you sell a Jewish movie to a studio?

A: "......The studios will always try to put something out there that appeals to the greatest audience. Anything that is pushing a political or religious agenda they believe will alienate an audience."

As far as I know, most of the movies that have portrayed either the Iraq war or the American military in a negative manner have either failed or been lackluster, at best.

I wanted to see 2012 but in talking it over with my conservative Jewish friend he said that the director really disparages Judeo-Christian symbols - and that fact really isn't instrumental in advancing the plot. Naturally, he leaves the Muslims alone, not wanting a fatwa on his head.

So I decided not to see this movie. Since this movie is apparently a hit, my little action is meaningless but I can only control my little world.

On sex, I remember the passage that Disney wanted to show a more physical relationship. To me the best movies are the ones that allude to something but it is left to the audience's imagination and conclusions. But then perhaps the target audience - adolescents - wants different things.

I really enjoyed Within These Walls and I suspect I will enjoy this movie, too.

A Stranger Among Us is such a special movie. It doesn't have the irritatingly hokey, riddled-with-oy-veys characters (any film that is carries itself through stereotypes gets really dull really fast for me). They are very real & interesting people, whose dimensions include Orthodox Judaism. Why oh why can't more screenwriters do the same - perhaps they do, but it's not in the mainstream.

Parenthetically, I don't think people appreciate the dumbing down of films as much as Hollywood thinks we do. Or am I giving the human race too much faith?

I'm glad that your wonderful movie was included in this essential list!!

Your post reminded me that I did a similar list a few years ago for a Jewish DVD distributor. My list is very different, including classic films (which ARE available on video if one knows where to look) and documentaries. Oddly, I left out A Stranger Among Us. Nothing personal, of course. It might be that at the time I thought the film was good but not necessarily 'essential.' Reviewing the list, I can already see that I'd make a number of changes, and at the very least, I owe it to myself to re-watch 'Stranger.' Assuming I can find a copy in Israel!

Bill:

You bring up a good point about all the Iraq movies—anti-American narratives—released, and the fact that they have all lost money.

There are times when the wheels come off the bus in Hollywood, and we are in such a period where fiscal responsibility takes a back seat to liberal ideology. The execs who green-light these loser pics keep the budget low and figure that over time, with DVD sales and rentals the films will eventually break even. They count on their big pictures to make up the short fall.

It's an accounting trick that allows them to feel self-righteous.

Rachel:

I kept away from oy-vey cliches because I know the orthodox Jewish world first hand, and appreciate its depth.

Thanks so much for the kind words.

Morey:

Thanks so much for the comment and link.

Interesting list.

Sad that nobody includes the fine Yiddish films directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, which truly are essential.

Link here: http://www.brandeis.edu/jewishfilm/Catalogue/ulmer.htm