Footnote

Michael H. CLAES

Israeli film, also very Jewish, subtle, deep, quirky, throaty & funny at the same time, half-comedy half-drama, resolutely original & intelligent. Seeing it is enlightened, fascinating & trouble-free.== Film israélien, aussi très juif, subtil, profond, décalé, prenant à la gorge & drôle à la fois, mi-comédie mi-drame, résolument original & intelligent. Le voir est un enseignement éclairé, passionnant & sans ennui 3,5

Matthew Martens

ts climactic scene is overwrought, which is unfortunate, but for most of its duration Footnote is a clever, well-crafted, and -- perhaps surprisingly, given that it's about two generations of Talmudic philologists -- even soulful film. Besides the father-son rivalry and the bitter academic politics, there is something in here about language and nation as mutually reinforcing fortresses, imprisoning as they protect.

OFF_FRAME

A clever and lively tale of familial rivalry within the sciences told with bristly energy and dry wit. Footnote becomes a sort of essay on the unveiling of truth; that great aim of science itself and all of the prestige that comes as part of the package. Perfectly designed and structured with bold graphic sequences the film really has few flaws. 4 stars

jupiter41

The performances, dialogue, and SOUNDTRACK all harmonize for a riveting, and ambiguous, exploration of family and work (among other themes). The opening lays a perfect foundation for the film's plot, which is paced and punctuated masterfully. Scenes of intense conflict are coupled with a claustrophobic camera/setting. The human tension is oft relieved, or released, with dark humor, or bold cuts. Genuine, effecting.

Malt Frisky

Somewhat a mis-direction when you go in thinking it's a comedy and then changes tone, surprising and welcome until it fizzles out and doesn't come to a suitable conclusion leaving an ending with people just being bitter with one another over getting the last word and winning a prize. Really?! Is that the moral of the story of family, belief and your life work, they leave things unresolved for the rest of their life?

Yishayahu

One of the most accurate depictions of academia in film, including obsession over purity of purpose and disdain for public's superficial appreciation, yet combined with the intense desire for public recognition via prizes.

muh.

i almost nicked off one grade because i wanted it to be completely and openly resolved the way "it's meant to" but then though better of it. because, in the end, it is an interesting take on generational, academical and inter-familial rivalry that manages to be surprisingly warm when you think about it.

Kirby

An interesting watch, but I expected it to be a bit more of a comedy. I found that, while compelling, it's not particularly funny at all. I don't hold that against it.