Lies My Father Told Me

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.

Thoroughly agree with the previous reviewer. Indeed, Jeffrey Lynas' acting was so awful that I was exultant when his dad gave him a whuppin and outraged when Saintly Grandpa stopped it. And when you find yourself out of sympathy with the film's hero and identifying with the antagionist then it's time to pull the plug, which I did shortly thereafter. C minus.

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.

Based on the life of Ted Allan, this film tells the childhood stories of a six-year old Jewish boy living in a poor neighbourhood in 1920s Montreal . David (the boy) has a special bond with his maternal grandfather (who lives with his family) but not so with his parents.

This film is a gem in so many ways. The neighbourhood of the family has a great oddity of characters who would be right at home in a Federico Fellini film with their various bonds and conflicts.

Jeffrey Lynas is perfect as David who carries the weight of the movie. His conversations with a female friend the same age (Cleo Paskal) and with his grandfather (supberbly played by Yossi Yadin) are the best moments.

The story also shows a contrast between the grandfather's basic spiritual values vs. Those of the parents (especially the father) who are materialistic. This makes the film relevant for our current times - or any time for that matter.

Mixing moments both hilarious and moving with nostalgia, viewing this film was a grand experience.- dbamateurcritic

Rating: 9 out of 10

Award-worthy Achievements:

1) Screenplay by Ted Allan

2) Performances of Jeffrey Lynas and Yossi Yadin.

I will bring tears to your eyes. It reminds me of my own Zaida, whom I love so much. I love the way it portrays the Hebrew way of life in 1920's Montreal. Suberb acting and directing. I want to see it again and again and again.