The Quarrel (1991)

In the emotionally charged landscape of "The Quarrel," the weight of guilt and survival take center stage, entwining two childhood friends in a profound discourse they never thought they'd have the chance to revisit. The year is 1948, on the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana. Chaim Kovler, a New York-based Yiddish writer, and Hersh Rasseyner, an orthodox Rabbi in Montreal, unexpectedly cross paths in a park. Both had presumed the other to have perished in the Holocaust, a horrific event that claimed the lives of their families and ignited the spark of guilt that has been smoldering within them ever since. Their past, marred by a heated argument on the essence of Judaism and the decision to leave the yeshiva, had cast a long shadow over their friendship. With their reunion, the friends momentarily set aside their past differences, embracing the miraclous chance to reconnect. As they progress through the park, their stride mirroring the rhythm of their intense conversation, the friends delve into the heart of their individual journeys. Chaim, despite the guilt that gnaws at him for not being there for his family when they needed him most, has turned his back on his faith. His feelings of remorse are further exacerbated by the small acts of betrayal he perceives in himself, like hiding his cigarette or assisting with the minyan. On the other hand, Hersh, an ardent follower of God, grapples with his guilt over the loss of his friendship and the unaccepted apology from his father. Fueled by the Holocaust, their views on Judaism have solidified but in starkly different directions. "The Quarrel," in its essence, explores the divergent paths that extreme trauma can lead one down. The question it leaves hanging in the air is whether their unexpected reunion can mend the fractures of their friendship or simply deepen the chasm between them. Amidst the encompassing drama and the raw vulnerability of the characters, the film bears a unique charm reminiscent of the days of Humphrey Bogart, focusing on the intense dialogue between two characters as if the world outside ceases to exist. This cinematic gem probes the paradox of survival, faith, and guilt, unearthing the complexities of human relationships in the process.

The Quarrel is a drama movie featuring Saul Rubinek and directed by Eli Cohen.

It is possible to buy The Quarrel on Amazon Video.