Lies My Father Told Me

Great sets and costumes from the '20s, wonderful tender story about a young Jewish boy in Canada and his old-world Grandpa and more modern parents, and some really good acting--except from the one actor who needed to deliver an awesome performance. Jeff Lynas, the kid playing the central character, David, is so bad he brings down the whole production. He can't seem to offer any emotion at all when he speaks; he's monotonally reading his lines as he delivers them. Just hellaciously, frighteningly bad acting. I gave this a 6 because everything else was so good, particularly the sets and Len Birman's performance as David's pie-in-the-sky up-to-date father, but it'd take an act of God for me to sit through anything else Lynas is in.

Some comments have pointed out that this is a movie that takes the child's POV. Well, that's true, but many films have done that and the tale they've told is sad (Ponette) or even harrowing (À ma soeur!). What this film captures is the divine reality that children and some adults are in contact with. It also relates the many other parts of a boy's role in a struggling Jewish Canadian family of the 20's, and does that quite well.

However, the mystery at the heart of life, the divine connection, that's what this film depicts best.

Alas, it's never been released in ANY consumer format! Who do we talk to about this injustice!

Lies My Father Told Me.... I may have renamed it Stories My Grandfather Told Me, is a wondrous, delightful movie because it has the simple elegance to state exactly the world as seen through a child's eyes. A child's recognition of what counts in life.....and yet in a few hilarious moments, a child's innocence at repeating grownups' sharp criticism in exactly the way it was meant without the social detours meant for adults. But it is the little boy's feeling for his grandfather and a wise grandfather who in his quiet way... just stays and stays with you.

Ted Allen's potent autobiographical memoirs of his childhood and growing up with close ties to his Grandfather - has been lovingly brought to the screen through the diligent efforts of producer Harry Gulkin. Gulkin, along with others who saw the value and potential of this profound relationship worked diligently over years to bring this story to the screen. Jeffrey Lynas, the amazing lad who carries his difficult role as if it's unfolding before the cameras earns his Award nomination fully. It's a credit to the artistry of Award winning Czechoslovakian director Jan Kadar (the shop on Main Street '65) who has infused such identifiable life experience into the already powerful, Oscar nominated script - the viewer can't help but identify with so much of the richly unfolding emotions.

Believable harsh locations and others of a grand natural beauty give the audience a contrast that helps to express the difficulty of living poor, and the longing for something better. Natural performances carry us through all the everyday difficulties of growing up in a close community - highlighting the diverse issues and human challenges that exist with such environments. Once black banned composer Sol Kaplan, creates a sensitive musical soundscape complete with a thoughtful song catching the essence of the story.

There's much to be admired by lovers of quality cinema and especially those with keenly observed memories of growing up in a diverse, multi-generational household. Marvellous character actor Yossi Yadin (Fiddler on the Roof) portrays the lads kindly and 'unorthodox'/orthodox, junk collector Grandfather with a strong warm performance. The intro and final scenes will find a place in your memory forever.

Back in the 1970s, I played this movie at the Main Street Theatre, Flushing NY; which I was managing at the time. It did exceptional business in this predominantly jewish neighborhood, it also did well at other locations in the city. I loved it.