In this cross-cultural pilgrimage, a 78 year-old Greek Holocaust survivor (Makram Khoury) and his Hasidic rapper son (Zohar Shtrauss) embark on a road trip from Israel to Greece in search of the magician who saved his father’s life during World War II.
Both father and son have been estranged for many years so the journey is fraught with tension, opening old wounds and seeing them in all manner of absurd situations. Oddly enough, a Greek prostitute (Ariane Labed) proves instrumental in bridging the seemingly gargantuan gap in their relationship.
Magic Men is full of magic moments, both heartfelt and comedic. The notion of ‘returning to the homeland’ and the beautiful Thessaloniki landscape will resonate thematically for many who see it.
Nominated for four Israeli Academy Awards, including a much-deserved win of Best Actor for Makram Khoury.
