Song of Songs

Rooted in the Yiddish folklore of Sholem Aleichem’s short stories, Song of Songs is a delicately beautiful coming-of-age tale of a love torn between tradition and modernity. Growing up in an idyllic, but insular Hasidic community in a turn-of-the-century Ukrainian shtetl, the sprite-like young Shimek submits with endearing resignation to his traditional parents. His tenderness unshaken, he cultivates a friendship with a local girl, but their youthful affection for each other is restrained by the village's orthodox customs and their own innocence. This beguiling excursion into a world seemingly disappearing before our very eyes is immeasurably enhanced by the soundtrack, a collection of rare recordings by Jewish singers and musicians. Supported by the nuanced debut performances from its two leads, Song of Songs is a cinematic triumph, a lyrical depiction of youthful devotion in a time of great change.