When they give -- Take
When they give -- Take

Movie spotlight

When they give -- Take

1982
Movie
87 min
Yiddish

A yeshiva student sets out to help his disco singer brother find a wife, and ends up entangled in complicated love triangle in Israel's first Yiddish-language film/musical.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: John HustonGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

A disillusioned former boxer, now working as a carnival boxer, is drawn back into the fight when he becomes involved with a young runaway and her abusive mother. He must confront his own demons and fight for their survival against dangerous odds. The film explores themes of redemption, desperation, and the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society.

Critical Reception

When They Give received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising the performances of Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek, as well as John Huston's gritty direction. Some found the story somewhat predictable, but the emotional depth and powerful acting were widely acknowledged.

What Reviewers Say

  • Strong performances anchor a compelling, albeit familiar, narrative.

  • John Huston delivers a poignant and often brutal look at desperate lives.

  • The film excels in its raw emotional portrayal and gritty atmosphere.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the strong acting, particularly from the lead performers, and found the story to be engaging and emotionally resonant. Some viewers noted that the film's intensity could be challenging, but overall it was considered a well-made drama.

Fun Fact

Jack Lemmon reportedly drew upon his own experiences with boxing in his youth to prepare for the role of a carnival boxer.

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