Shtisel

This is about a orthodox Jewish family. I am not Jewish and I don't know much about it, so it's interesting to see certain customs.

While it's a very different life from mine, it's so relatable! Family dynamics are just the same everywhere. They are real people that with all the feelings of pride, hurt and sibling rivalry. And there is such great humour in this show as well. I sometimes rewind scenes just to look at facial expressions of all involved, because the actors are great. All of them. The patriarch and youngest son are also played so well. Highly recommend, though it's clearly for a niche audience.

There is no 'blowing up and cussing' as the cliche goes. Nothing, absolutely nothing spectacular until you watch it. These seem to be real people in real life situations that relate to life as it is lived. Beautifully presented videography, superbly written scenarios and acting- the acting!

I cannot describe how much I enjoyed watching this series. The pace is perfect, the quality and strength of characters is second to none. I have totally fallen love with all of them particularly Shtisel and his Father. Shtisel senior is a fantastic actor, his energy is magical and his mannerisms are amazing. I have learnt so much about the Orthodox Jewish community, it has been so enjoyable and interesting. PLEASE bring out series 3. I not am not sure why this series has appealed to me and touched my heart so much but it has. I am a huge fan of World Cinema and this is a unique and original peice of work.

Without exception, everyone I know who has been introduced to this series is hooked almost immediately. It is beautifully written and acted and gives us a rare look at an Orthodox Israeli family that nevertheless must deal with universal problems, contradictions and consequences. The English subtitles do not distract from the show's dramatic impact or the actors' nuanced performances. Orthodox Jewish viewers will undoubtedly have a better understanding of the material; there are subtleties that can be appreciated only by those familiar with the lifestyle. But that should not preclude others from giving this show the opportunity it deserves. There appear to be conflicting reports concerning the production of Season 3. Hopefully we have not seen the last of this terrific series.

Shtisel is a par above the best television and most cinema produced in Israel. My copious consumption of TV and film notwithstanding, I have never reviewed, but was compelled to when discovering the stunning absence of commentary for this stunning work of art.

In a hyper digitized culture this show is reactionary to say the least. It returns to the origin of the medium of moving pictures, storytelling. Beautiful, delicate, morally challenging and consistently human stories.

Technically the show is artful and precise, with a seemingly authentic, almost anthropological portrayal of a society that is generally inaccessible. Drama seems to arise slowly, patiently, through competent composition of scenes, performances that posses each character flawlessly, and again, stories that speak to the heart of who we are and how we relate to each other. Perhaps it takes a society that has not been swept by time as much as most, to demonstrate a few timeless truths that we can all relate to.

We live in the golden age of quality television, no doubt. But I can count on one hand the number of shows that humbly rely on the basics: acting and story. No FX, no cynicism, no melodrama. If you enjoy Detectorists, this'll probably be up your alley.