By John Delia
Using one of their most noted songs, the film Hava Nagila:The Movie traces some of the history of the Jews back to the tune’s beginning in the Ukraine. Used as a joyful repose, the high spirited dance that most often accompanies it continues at weddings and other events even today. You don’t have to be Jewish to watch this nicely spooled out documentary and it just may get you rockin’ in your seat.
Most all ancestries have music attached to their lives as a thread that keeps them together. While my Italian heritage perks up their ears whenever the Tarantella gets played at special events, Hispanics come alive with the Flaminco and for the Irish the strains of Danny Boy can put a whole room in sweet tears. But, with Hava Nagila the tradition goes even deeper into their culture forming a bond that gets stronger with every wedding, bar mitzvah, and yes, even in the face of persecution, holocaust, relocation or other disparaging act upon them. Â
The film is actually uplifting and I found myself wanting to join in on the excitement of the song and dance. Interesting and intriguing the documentary gets to the roots of the Jews, tries to settle a few arguments and the strong heritage they have formed. No matter where in the world you find a Jewish community having a gathering the Hava Nagile is sure to be a part of the event.
Director/writer Roberta Grossman and producer/writer Sophie Sartain have collected home movies, news footage, photos and archival film they use to bring the history of the song to life. In addition they bring twenty-three notable speakers to their project telling their involvement with the traditional song. Most everyone will recognize comic actor Johnny Yune (They Call Me Bruce), Leonard Neimoy (Star Trek), jazz pianist Pete Sokolow, singers Harry Belafonte, Glen Campbell and Connie Frances all of which lay testament to the song.
The documentary Hava Nagila:The Movie gives everyone a chance to recall their own heritage and the songs they remember as children. It’s a fun time, even if only lasts a mere hour and fifteen minutes. But, I venture to say, you’ll have the song stuck in your head for months to come.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Take a look at what one song can do for tradition and history. (B+) Â
Additional Film Information:
- Directed by: Roberta Grossman
- Genre: Documentary, Music
- MPAA Rating: Unrated
- Running Time: 1 hr 15 min
- Opening Date: March 8, 2013