The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch 2019
Directed by
Michael Steiner
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A young Jewish Orthodox student, Motti Wolkenbruch, portrayed by Joel Basman, finds himself entangled in a turbulent love affair that pits him against his traditional family values. Caught between fulfilling his mother’s wishes and pursuing his desires, Motti’s life takes a dramatic turn when he falls for Laura, a captivating girl who is not Jewish. While Motti is studying economics at university, his mother, eager for him to settle down, constantly arranges dates in hopes of marrying him off soon.
Upon meeting Laura, Motti is enchanted by her modern ways—she wears blue jeans, enjoys gin and tonics, and, as Motti would say, “has a great ass.” Despite these undeniable feelings, he is acutely aware that Laura, being a ‘shiksa’, would never be accepted by his mother. In a clever ruse, Motti teams up with Michal Süskind—portrayed by Lena Kalisch—to feign a relationship to deter the incessant matchmaking efforts of their respective mothers. The charade ends in chaos when Motti’s mother, filled with glee, crashes her car upon hearing the fake news.
As pressures mount, Motti reaches a breaking point and confesses to his mother that the relationship with Michal was fabricated. This revelation prompts a meeting with the family Rabbi, who advises Motti to travel to Israel in search of a potential wife. In Tel Aviv, he meets Yael and experiences a whirlwind day at the beach, culminating in losing his virginity. However, the joy is short-lived when he returns to Zurich and re-encounters Laura.
Laura invites Motti to a raucous party filled with drinks and dancing, where they share a night of passion. With thoughts of introducing Laura to his family, Motti naively underestimates the backlash he will face. His mother graciously meets Laura but quickly turns cold, dragging them off to synagogue and ultimately disowning Motti for choosing a non-Jewish partner.
Determined to start anew, Motti considers moving in with Laura, but she hesitates, expressing that she’s not ready for such a commitment. In a poignant moment, Motti visits his ailing insurance client, Frau Silberzweig, played by Sunnyi Melles, who reveals through her tarot readings that endings can also signify new beginnings. She assures Motti that with everything he has left behind, he now has the opportunity to explore life freely.
The story culminates in an unresolved tension as Motti receives a call from Laura, leaving viewers to ponder the uncertain fate of their relationship.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Motti's Family Pressure
Motti Wolkenbruch, a young Jewish Orthodox student, faces relentless pressure from his mother to settle down. She arranges multiple dates, hoping to find a suitable Jewish partner for her son, which adds to Motti's internal conflict between desire and duty.
Meeting Laura
While studying economics, Motti meets Laura, a captivating girl who captivates him with her modern outlook and lifestyle. Despite being a non-Jew, Motti is enchanted by her free-spirited nature and distinct charm, which starkly contrasts with his traditional upbringing.
The Ruse with Michal
In an effort to escape his mother's matchmaking, Motti teams up with Michal Süskind to concoct a fake relationship. This clever charade is intended to deter their mothers, though it leads to chaotic consequences that neither of them anticipated.
Car Crash Revelation
The ruse culminates in chaos when Motti's mother unexpectedly crashes her car, overwhelmed by joy upon hearing the fabricated news about her son's relationship with Michal. This incident serves as a turning point for Motti as he grapples with the implications of the deception.
Confession to His Mother
Overwhelmed by guilt and familial expectations, Motti confesses to his mother that his relationship with Michal was a fabrication. This revelation leads to a family meeting with their Rabbi, who provides Motti with surprising advice to travel to Israel.
A Day in Tel Aviv
Motti travels to Tel Aviv in search of a potential wife, where he meets Yael. Their whirlwind day at the beach culminates in Motti losing his virginity, marking a significant, albeit short-lived, experience in his quest for love.
Reunion with Laura
Upon returning to Zurich, Motti re-encounters Laura when she invites him to a lively party. Here, they share a passionate night, reigniting Motti's feelings and desires, as he contemplates introducing her to his family.
Family Meeting with Laura
Motti's mother meets Laura graciously at first, but the atmosphere soon turns cold. Faced with the revelation of Motti's relationship choice, she reacts harshly, dragging them off to synagogue and ultimately disowning Motti.
Considering Moving in with Laura
Determined to pursue a life with Laura, Motti contemplates moving in with her. However, Laura expresses doubts about the commitment, revealing a significant emotional barrier between them despite their mutual attraction.
Tarot Reading with Frau Silberzweig
In a poignant encounter, Motti visits his elderly insurance client, Frau Silberzweig, who offers a tarot reading. She imparts wisdom suggesting that endings can lead to new beginnings, encouraging Motti to embrace the freedom he now has.
Uncertain Future
The story concludes as Motti receives a call from Laura, leaving their relationship's fate uncertain. The unresolved tension invites viewers to ponder whether he will choose to follow his heart or return to his family's expectations.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Motti Wolkenbruch
Motti is a young Jewish Orthodox student caught in a web of family expectations and personal desires. He grapples with the implications of his love for Laura, a non-Jewish girl, while navigating the pressures from his mother and community. His character evolves as he seeks to reconcile his upbringing with his own identity.
Laura
Laura is a modern, free-spirited girl who captivates Motti with her charm and lifestyle. She represents a departure from Motti's traditional values, challenging him to reevaluate his beliefs about love and commitment. Her hesitation regarding their relationship adds depth to her character as she considers the implications of their bond.
Frau Silberzweig
Frau Silberzweig is an elderly insurance client of Motti who provides wisdom through her tarot readings. Her insights serve as a guiding force for Motti, suggesting that endings can lead to new beginnings. She embodies a blend of tradition and foresight, encouraging Motti to explore life's possibilities.
Michal Süskind
Michal acts as Motti's ally in the charade to escape matchmaking pressures. While initially a comedic character, she also reflects the complexities of friendship and support within the confines of tradition. Her involvement reveals the lengths to which Motti would go to assert his independence.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film's events unfold in contemporary times, reflecting current tensions between tradition and modernity within the Jewish Orthodox community. It explores the ongoing societal debates around interfaith relationships and individual desires against parental expectations.
Location
Zurich, Tel Aviv
Zurich, known for its banking and financial services, serves as the conservative backdrop to Motti's life and family expectations. Tel Aviv, in stark contrast, is vibrant and modern, famous for its beaches, nightlife, and diverse culture, providing a temporary escape for Motti as he seeks to define his own identity.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love vs. Tradition
The central theme of the movie highlights the struggle between personal desires and familial obligations. Motti's love for Laura symbolizes the conflict between his passion and his upbringing, as he navigates the expectations set by his traditional Jewish family.
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Identity Exploration
Motti's journey of self-discovery is a key theme, illustrating the challenges faced when forging one's own path. As he grapples with cultural identity and personal choices, Motti's experiences in both Zurich and Tel Aviv serve as catalysts for his evolving sense of self.
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