MovieChat Forums > Keeping Up with the Steins (2006) Discussion > Preview offensive to Jews

Preview offensive to Jews

posted 18 years ago by gsag
117 replies | jump to latest

When I watched the preview I died. All it did was stereotype rich Jews who put on lavish bar mitzvah parties. Why cant we see a movie about us that doesnt make Jews look like they are all into materialism and not into spirituality. I want to see a movie about a bar mitzvah boy who we see after his bar mitzvah grow spiritually and discover what it really means to live and be a Jew in a mostly Christian society.

I dont want to see the token intermarried couple. I dont want to see a movie potraying Jews as extremely secular without any knowledge of their own religion. For once I want to see a movie with Jews who know who they are, who are knowlegeble in their religion, and who arent some cookie cutter character that isnt satisfied with a meal at a resturaunt.

America is a melting pot of diversity. By showing secular Jews constantly on screen it encourages jews to be the same way. All this does is turn America's melting pot into a bland stew, where a Jew cant tell the difference between himself and a non Jew. All this movie is an equivalent of a black minstrel show where Jews are the ones being made fun of. Hollywood needs to get smart. To Jews everywhere: Ignore what Hollywood wants you to act and be like. Crack open the Torah and the Talmud if you dont know hebrew or aramaic order one in English. Just educate yourself.

[–] gsag 18 years ago

This movie is just about a bunch of self hating Jews.

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] lexisexy15 18 years ago

yo

wat the hell is wrong with you

you stfu and think about wat u just said when there are like hundreds of jews reading this post

yea *beep* you

[–] ozgirl37 18 years ago

I saw the preview, and I didn't get the sense that all Jews are into materialism and not spirituality. I think it's playing off the fact that some people have really ridiculous bar mitzvahs, but I don't think the movie is trying to stereotype all Jews into that idea. Obviously I haven't seen the movie, so I have no idea what they're going to do with this, but from the trailer I didn't see anything that was so outrageously offensive.

[–] coolj923 18 years ago

What are you all talking about this movie is the opposite about what you all are saying the point is that the boys parenst want to out do the stein's over expensive all material no spirituality bar mitzvah but the boy just wants it to be simple and about teh religion

[–] yourpalsal 18 years ago

If you want to see a movie that shows Jews as spiritual people, and Judaism as a beautiful religion that can heal and bring families together, you should see "When Do We Eat?"
It's about a dysfunctional family Passover, and by the end of the movie the ritual of the seder and the faith of a baal teshuvah son leads to a beautiful redemptive miracle.
Self-hating Jews hate this movie; every rabbi that's seen it loves it.
it's currently playing in several cities and will be out on DVD in the fall.

[–] princetyronnlue 18 years ago

As a jewish person (and ignoring the ignorant comment made above), the premise of this movie rings VERY true. Anyone who grew up (or has attended a bar-mitzvah) in Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and any number of surrounding places (or other areas around the country) has seen what it's like. The parents compete with each other to see how much money they can arbitrarily throw at their kid's event, their main purpose in all of this is to outdo their friends and neighbors. spirituality is by far the lowest priority (if a priority at all). It may be a perceived "stereotype" of some sort, but it's still true to life.

That's not to say of course that all bar-mitzvahs are that way, most are not. But there is a contingent of people in certain places where this sort of ridiculous, garish one-upmanship is very prevalent.

[–] eagoldb 18 years ago

Having attended several Bar Mitvahs (including my own) in Seattle in the early 80s, I can attest that there did exist the mind-set of hosting parties that seemed geared toward outdoing those held previously by other parents in the same social circles. Again, this is not to say that every Jewish parent thinks that way or that you cannot have a Bar Mitzvah celebration based on the spiritual rather than the material. But I have seen it and experienced it first hand. I'm planning on seeing this movie and I doubt that I'll have any issues with the portrayal.

[–] lexisexy15 18 years ago

princetyronnlue

you are totally right

im from a part of long island which is like 97% jewish, including myself. they dont care about the meaning of having a bar-bat mitavah, its all about the quality of the party where im from. recently, in my area, a girl had a bat mitvah, and her parents spent over 10 million dollars on it. and it was ridiculous. there were like 20 different singers there, and each kid got an ipod, digital camera, and a chrome hearts necklace, and sweatshirt.

and im also not trying to say that everyone does it like that, but when people have the money, they spend it

[–] khl 18 years ago

You are spot on. I am just arranging my son's Bar Mitzvah in Weschester, NY. I am not the kind to compete by pissing away money needlessly, but when I think back to my Bar Mitzvah which was a nice affair that cost my parents about $3500, I wonder what this is all about. I have seen people spend hundreds of thousands on these whirlwind affairs. I call the Mega Mitzvah's. Somewhere we have strayed off the path, stereotype or not.

[–] Smallville_Owns_Me 18 years ago

i acctually really enjoyed the preview. i dont think it was offensive at all. this movie just plays off the people who are obsessed with these extragent bar/bat mitzvahs. coming from a town where these bar/bat mitzvahs are very real....it rings true. yeah so we didnt have shamoo...but pretty close. a few kids in my town got some yankees players to come and sign autographs.
yeah, it was kinda over the top.
i think the movie is very clever and very funny.

[–] malka-2 17 years ago

I do want to see "Keeping Up With the Steins". In fact, I'm on the adult education committee at our synagogue, and our rabbi wants us to get it to show the congregation as part of a "Jewish Movie Night" series. However, I bought "When Do We Eat?", and my husband and I, who are far from self-hating Jews, did NOT like it. Parts were cute and funny, but most of it was AWFUL! I really wasted my money.

[–] smhess 18 years ago

i think you are too sensitive, and too serious. I have jew-friends who are so excited to see this movie, because they say "that was so my childhood."

You remind me of Issac Hayes. He spent all this time on south park helping trey and matt rip on everyones religious stereotypes, all in good fun, but then when someone poked fun at his he had a little hissy fit and quit. hypocrit? yah.

if you want to see a movie portraying incredible jews, go to school and get a film degree. Make a documentary about how jews are better than every other religion... i'm sure it will catch on.

[–] gsag 18 years ago

It may be true that parents are spending way too much money on thier childrens bar mitzvah parties. However, this isnt the case everywhere around the world. Boys have bar mitzvahs at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. They have it on Mossada. beautiful places where a movie could be made. A movie that would touch Jews spiritually around the world. I just feel this movie had a ton of potential and they threw it away. This could have been a very touching heartfelt movie about a boy seriously delving into his religion and growing spiritualy. Something every person in thier religion can learn from, that is to constantly grow and better yourself.

Although I havent seen When do We eat. I saw the preview and was also offended by it. They turned the seder a beautiful Jewish ritual into a circus. If you want to see a good movie thats true to its Judaism and life. Its also spiritually moving. Check out Ha ushpizin(The Guests).

[–] RPGgame 18 years ago

saw Ushpizin, incredible movie. Anyway I saw the preview and I actually laughed. The message I hope this film is going to show is that the dad is going to realize that the party is not what really counts. I get this based on the scenes of looking back at his bar mitzvah. I can not judge this until I see more, but I hope at the end the bar mitzvah becomes a bigger part of the story. I had a big party myself for my bar mitzvah with a band and a theme of keep it jewish. We had a large magen dovid over the band in blue balloons all lit up. There was meaning the party. The whole idea of these big parties are from American culture anyway.

[–] blackvideodrone 18 years ago

You're such a sensitive poof, gsag. It probably wouldn't take much to kick your a ss. You can't possibly be Jewish. If you are, please shut up. You are embarrassing the rest of us.

"Classic movie line/pointless quotation/narcissistic comment here"

[–] coolj923 18 years ago

your completely right but I think Shindlers list was just a teency bit more popular than keeping up with the steins

[–] JTarlin-1 18 years ago

I don't know where you grew up, but in my house Seders were always a crazy time in which everyone tried to remember how things went. It was a chance to gossip eat and most importantly be with your family. I also am a spiritual Jew as well, having studied the non *beep* Kabbalah and Hasidism and explored deep into messianic Judaism.

There is room for both. and it all is about doing what you want, creating your own for of religion.

Also, the movie you described would be boring as *beep* and would never get made because it would make no money, a big factor in producing movies. There are stories to tell and then there is a time for spirituality. but movies and religion do not go very well together

[–] KewlDD 17 years ago

With all due respect...if you're studying Messianic Judaism you're not a Jew, and please don't claim to be one or speak for us.

[–] Brkback 17 years ago

What a completely rediculous, illogical thing to say! According to you, all a Jew has to do is to study Messianic Judaism and he is no longer a Jew. That is probably the most ignorant thing I have ever heard.

[–] iwasallomg 18 years ago

I don't know if you understand this, but the movie is supposed to be a comedy, not a drama.... So it might be kind of offensive if they set it at a deeply spiritual and religious place and then made jokes about it.

[–] johnritter4ever 18 years ago

I saw the movie this past Tuesday at its NY premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. I am Jewish and was in NO WAY offended by any of the material. Not only is the movie hilarious and loaded with an excellent cast, but the screenwriter is very astute and accomplished. I think you should give the writer credit for creating a full story before you judge something that you haven't seen (or coming up with a conclusion based on a short trailer). You may be surprised that some of your ideas are the main themes, plot and character development! If you're looking for DEEP religious meaning in a Jewish film, go rent "Yentl", but if you're looking for a new, fun and entertaining film and that Jews and non-Jews can enjoy, then be sure to check out "Keeping Up With the Steins"!!!

[–] lexisexy15 18 years ago

youre soo lucky

[–] tappingpirate 18 years ago

i think the whole point of the movie is MOCKING the fact that bar/bat mitzvahs are more about the money than the spiritual experience these days...

[–] Torgo_1 18 years ago

Or maybe the whole point of the movie is to give a real look at what much of the religion has become today. Many Jews today, especially in North America have managed to become extremely well-off and tend to have forgotten their roots, and 'who' it is who gave them their wealth. I live in a completely Jewish neighbourhood where there is a Mercedes and BMW in every single driveway (no joke), and unfortunately Saturday has become nothing more than a golf day. It's sad, but it's true. And I think that's the case in many places in North America.

So maybe the movie is trying to say 'You know, maybe the goys are right, and Jews in the US are just upper-class folk who have lost their way, and don't really act all that Jewish, except for the few advertised traditions such as fasting once a year, and having a Seder around easter, and a big party when a boy turns 13'

Maybe this movie is a warning signal for us to shape up.

It's probably not, and i'm probably wrong. Just my take.

[–] lexisexy15 18 years ago

well, it depends on what type of jewish root they come from, either reform, orthodox, modern orthodox, watever. but its different in many places. i live in a reform community, but im modern orthodox.

[–] johnritter4ever 18 years ago

Everyone here is jumping to conclusions about a film they haven't seen! The point of the movie has NOTHING per se, to do with Judaism or a Bar Mitzvah. It could have been about planning a wedding instead of a Bar Mitzvah. The reason the Bar Mitzvah in the movie has become such a big deal is because Jeremy Piven's character in the film is a Hollywood agent, and he feels the need to impress his clients and "Keep Up With" and out-do his former co-worker, Arnie Stein (Larry Miller), who just threw an over-the-top Bar Mitzvah for his son and rubs it into Adam's (Piven) face that no one could top his bash. Yes, the two fathers (Adam & Arnie) do lose track of the REAL meaning of what the Bar Mitzvah is supposed to be about, but this movie is not a commentary about Jews in society as a whole. This movie is about FAMILY and FORGIVENESS and rediscovering the true meaning of these rites of passage, and learning about yourself and what's important in life.

This movie could have been about ANY religion or any ceremony or life event and still have told the same story. Of course, I've tried not to give anything away in talking about the film, but as you can guess, the smartest person of all is Benjamin, the Bar Mitzvah boy. He's the one who understands what the Bar Mitzvah is supposed to be about; he's the one who in the eyes of the religion is turing into a man - in reality, he's the one teaching the adults the lesson about what's important and the spiritual meaning of this event. Anyone of any religion can enjoy this movie as it is not a religious movie per se, the message the screenwriter is trying to convey is universal.

Please see the movie or at least believe someone like me who has seen it already. This film is NOT a commentary on Jews in modern society or Judaism itself, and I most certainly did not find it offensive in any way being Jewish myself. This is an extremely FUNNY, WARM, FEEL-GOOD, LAUGH-OUT-LOUD film with an impressive cast that once you see it, you will wonder what all this debate was about!

P.S. You can see my additional comments under the thread titled: "A Film For Everyone: Saw It At Tribeca Film Fest".

[–] ShaynaGirl 18 years ago

You totally hit the nail on the head. My sentiments EXACTLY! =)

[–] saddest_mafioso 18 years ago

It's so offensive to the Jews who are in and produced this movie... sure. Go watch The Chosen if you want something more "spiritual"

You're glib.

[–] yeshli2nuts 18 years ago

im jewish, and i dont find the preview offensive at all. i am modern orthodox and live in northern New Jersey. im 18 and am graduating from a jewish high school that costs $16,000 a year. this IS what its like being a jewish teen these days. if you want to see a movie that doesnt mock Judaism, see The Chosen, The Fiddler On The Roof, Schindler's List, Keeping the Faith and many more that arent as popular. i see nothing wrong with this movie and look forwaerd to seeing it mostly because how much i relate to it.

[–] Torgo_1 18 years ago

But how do you think a Goy would react to this movie? Would he say to himself "the stereotype is right, stupid jews and their money"?

[–] gsag 18 years ago

Torgo 1 you just hit what im mostly afraid of that someone who has never seen a Jew before in thier life watching this movie will think,"oh there goes them rich Jews. All those Jews ever care about is money. etc.." There are many people who have never met someone whos Jewish before and for them to see this movie there is no question that they will think that. Its one of the reasons why I think this preview is dangerous.

I find that even if the boy is "the smartest" in the movie. I doubt that he truly understands what it means to be a bar mitzvah boy. I doubt that in the movie he is studying the parsha to write his speech and to recite from the torah scroll. I doubt he is studying the sefer ha chinuch(a book of the 613 Mitzvahs that come directly from the Torah). I doubt in the movie he ever opens a prayer book. I doubt we see the bar mitzvah boy afterwards attending minyans. I feel that the movie is gonna be fake in how it potrays what a bar mitzvah is. For people who know about bar mitzvahs or think they know about bar mitzvahs they will think that the bar mitzvah boy in this movie is right and this is how a bar mitzvah is.

Also Yentl, Fidler on the roof, keeping the faith, the chosen are nothing compared to last years Israeli break out film Ha Ushpizin(the guests). The first ever movie to be filmed entirely in Mae hasharim in Israel, a very religious area where they would really be critical of what the film was. It is a gentle, funny spiritually uplifting film about a ba al teshuvah(A secular Jew who turned religious) who has guests over his sukkah(hut) for the holiday of Sukkah. I have never seen a more authenticly Jewish film in my life and thought it should have deserved at least a nomination for best foreign film at the academy awards last year. Here is a link to the site for the movie www.imdb.com/title/tt0426155/

[–] criticgal 18 years ago

Gsag, i get where you're coming from and i used to feel like u did, but i learned something---the movie doesn't matter. there will always be people who hold to their assumptions, and there will not likely be anything u can do about it.

I'm also thinking its truly unfair to judge the movie if u haven't seen it. The trailer is often misleading, and geared to the lowest common denominator.

I believe that the film (like a poster commented about sweet sixteens) reflects something that is a fact, but could apply to non-jewish events, as well. Sure, i would prefer it not to be Jewish but if, after i see it, the film doesn't offend me, i will accept it. My guess is they were trying to capitalize on Jeremy Piven's narcissistic agent character from Entourage, and anything that gives Piven more work is fine with me.

Lastly, i saw Ushpizin. It was well-made, but the story behind the film was infinitely more entertaining than the film itself. I, too, thought When do We eat was a cute film with some stereotyping, but an interesting message in the end.

See the film and then come back and post. Maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[–] jsbeckerman 18 years ago

You need to chill out and stop being such a tight ass. One of the wonderful things about being Jewish is being able to laugh at ourselves. In addition, the fact that jews are the people who write these movies proves it. If you can't laugh at yourself...I feel very badly for the people around you. Relax, have fun, and keep the negativity to where it is needed (destruction of Israel by Iran....now that is something to worry about!)

[–] Proofer3 18 years ago

I think the percentage of people worldwide who have "never seen a Jew before in their life" is infinitesimal.

[–] juneinjuly 18 years ago

i saw the preview as someone outside the jewish faith and thought of the MTV show "my super sweet sixteen", where parents spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for a sixteenth birthday bash for their kids. going to college in northern new jersey, i've seen a lot of people do these kinds of things.

i DEFINITELY did not think "stupid jews and their money". it seemed to me that the preview poked fun at people with high powered jobs who can afford to spend an insane amount of money on things that do not warrent spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. the fact that the family was jewish and this event was a bar mitzvah was just kind of... incidental.

[–] toulous_lautrec 18 years ago

I'm not sure what a goy is, but I believe it is a WESTERN thing to throw an affair more lavish than the last. My Catholic and Protestant family seem to try to outdo each other, with each wedding/communion/whatever there is. I think it's an equal opportunity stereotype, there! My wedding was just outdone :).

... Puh-tu-wheet? ~ Slaughterhouse 5 ...

[–] ReinaMissy 18 years ago

The word "GOY" is Hebrew; it refers to anyone who is non-Jewish.

I agree with you; it's not just a Semitic thing to do this. Anyone who thinks the stereotype applies only to Jews has never been to a Southern Baptist wedding.

[–] daniel-kimmel 17 years ago

That is incorrect. The word "goy" means nation. In the Hallel, the Jews are referrred to as "goy kadosh," a "holy nation."

As a matter of Yiddish slang, it came to mean "non-Jew." But that is not what it means in Hebrew.

[–] somfcool 18 years ago

First of all most of that *beep* is true and second it's only a damn movie. If you don't like it, don't see it just like some Catholics are doing with The Divinci Code. People won't judge Jews on this movie and the stereotypes will exist with or without it.