Review - Raindance Film Festival
A wry commentary from half-black, half-Jewish teenager Keith (a confident debut from Leyland O'Brien) introduces us to life, and a fair amount of death, at Paradise Grove, the retirement home run by his mother Dee (Rula Lenska) and that houses his Jewish grandfather Izzie (Ron Moody). Much to his mother's irritation, Keith is keen to remain and work at the Grove. Though his relationship with her is not particularly close (Dee is far more attached to the local doctor), the opportunity to be around Izzie is a major factor for Keith to stay.
His own search for his Jewish roots encompasses learning Hebrew and trying to get closer to his grandfather, something made more difficult by Izzie's worsening health and reluctance to accept his mixed race grandson's cultural identity. But when Izzie determines to put an end to what he feels is a painful and undignified existence, it's Keith to whom he turns.
Paradise Grove is bold in showcasing issues - Jewish life, the treatment of the elderly, euthanasia - that many contemporary British films stringently avoid. Sharp-eyed observations bring home the reality of some of the numerous indignities foisted upon the older generation, from the grim fate of false teeth cleaned communally in a sink, to the eager helpers scavenging for souvenirs of the very-recently departed.
While sardonic lines describing 'the undead sitting in the departure lounge' give no quarter, the film is also quick to point out the tender attention often given by carers, and, especially, the vitality (with a fair old dose of occasional vitriol) of the residents themselves.
Sensitively moving between playful humour and serious drama, it's an unusual story of growing up and growing old and how the two are inextricably linked, whatever a person's actual age. Good to see performers like Ron Moody and Rula Lenska centre stage, and the lively 'Jewish jazz' score contributing greatly to the strong sense of ethnicity. LS
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