Cast
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Inbar Lavi
as Sara
Jake Epstein
as Daniel
Sheila Tyson
as Esther
Barry W. Levy
as Stuart
Alice Rose
as Zoey
Natalie Malaika
as Keisha
Amitai Marmorstein
as Tom
Michael Denis
as Paul
Oliver Rice
as Nigel
Doron Bell
as Jimmy
Andrew Zachar
as Adam
Samantha Ferris
as Myra
Joshua Harding
as Jay
Logan Tarasoff
as Josh
James Paladino
as Santa
Crew
Director
- Mark Jean
Producer
- Charles Cooper
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Eight Gifts of Hanukkah represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Mark Jean brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Eight Gifts of Hanukkah took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1927 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Eight Gifts of Hanukkah shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Night Before, which focuses more on action than character development, Eight Gifts of Hanukkah subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Menorah in the Middle and Hanukkah on Rye explore similar territory, Eight Gifts of Hanukkah stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 3, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
