segunda-feira, 11 de julho de 2011

When Romeo and Juliet meet the Exorcist

The Dybbuk

Set in Poland at the end of the 19th century, "The Dybbuk" tells the story of two ill-fated lovers -- Chanon, a penniless but devout student of Jewish mysticism, and Leah, the young woman he adores. Betrothed unknowingly to each other since birth, the two are denied their fate when Leah's father breaks the marriage contract and offers his daughter to a richer man.

Upon hearing the news, the heartbroken Chanon, who is weak from prolonged prayer and fasting, dies instantly. His life cut short, Chanon's soul becomes a demon, or dybbuk, which enters Leah's body in an attempt to gain possession of her love for eternity.

What follows is an attempt by the deeply pious Hasidic rabbis to exorcise the dybbuk from Leah so she and her new wealthy fiance can proceed with their marriage. Leah must confront the choice between marriage to a man for whom she feels nothing or an unworldly union with her dead lover's spirit.