Critic Reviews 'The Odyssey' Film and Highlights Persistent Ethnic Divisions in Jewish Traditions

In a recent column, Meir Uziel shared his mixed impressions after watching the 2026 film "The Odyssey." He found the three-hour movie visually unconvincing, with artificial colors and low-quality props, despite its large budget. Uziel criticized the film's forced educational agenda, particularly its clumsy attempt at ethnic diversity, questioning why no characters represented traditional Jewish practices such as wearing a tallit or tefillin. He praised the depiction of the Trojan horse as original and convincing but advised viewers to read a detailed summary before watching, cautioning against expecting a truly good film.

Uziel then shifted focus to ongoing ethnic divisions within Jewish communities, particularly between Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews. He expressed frustration over outdated and divisive practices, such as separate references in prayer books and different schedules for exams, which he views as harmful and unnecessary. He recalled his grandfather, the first Chief Rabbi of Israel, who opposed such ethnic distinctions and did not identify with labels like "Chief Sephardi Rabbi." Uziel lamented that these divisions persist visibly in weekly rituals, undermining unity within Judaism.

The column concluded with a poetic anecdote titled "What I Forgot to Write About the Brain," describing a romantic scene where a prince is struck by Cupid's arrow, leading to a heartfelt reunion with a princess. This story was shared alongside reflections on the Jewish month of Elul and themes of forgiveness and love.

Uziel's piece blends cultural criticism of contemporary cinema with a call for greater unity and inclusivity in Jewish religious life, highlighting the persistence of ethnic divides that continue to shape communal practices and identities.