This is a heartfelt tale of nuance. The poignancy of the remembering begins with the first frame and does not let up for a moment.

A family story heaped in tradition and sacrifice juxtaposed against modernity and a prodigal son. Spanning several decades, often told in flashback, the action never lets up and every frame is pregnant with meaning.

Beautifully told this is one to watch and rewatch for the simple elegance of the story telling and the humanity of its protagonists. The sacrifices of family members are felt rather than seen and one is left with a kind of grace not usually conveyed on the screen.

The characters will remain with me forever.

This beautiful movie delighted my soul like few others have in so very long. I'm so glad that it showed up.

To understand this story, you need to grasp the nuances of the story of Esau and Jacob, and yes, I named Esau first, because he was the true firstborn. The relationship between the ancient Hebrew twins, the deception, the involvement of a mother who favored Jacob, and a father who favored Esau is critical to the foundation of this modern-day retelling.

The viewer will not see the inheritance bartered for by a bowl of lentils, but by a true necessity.

The blessing construct is as one would expect, very challenging, and causes grief to Esau all of his life.

It is a love story, a family story, a story of reconciliation.

And like the ancient story from Genesis, the instigator of the reconciliation is the one who was so badly injured.

(Sure wish that it had CC.)

The sets, scenery, sites, and smells will beguile you.

--Rivkah in Iowa.