Based on an autobiographical novella by Ivan Olbracht, the film tells the story of Hanele Safarová, who grows up just after the First World War in a little Ruthenian schtetl which, in true Hassidic fashion, awaits the arrival of the Messiah. But Hanele decides to follow the Zionists instead. She moves to the city to prepare for her departure to the Promised Land, where she meets a successful businessman named Ivo Karadzic, who has renounced Judaism to become a free-thinker. Their love for each other doesn’t only drive Hanele’s parents to distraction, it also threatens to destroy the entire community in the schetl.
as Hanele Šafarová
as Ivo Karadžič
as Dad
as Mom
as Grandpa Šafar
as Pinches Jakubovič
as Šlojme Kac
as Jid Fajnerman
as Salamon Fux
as Ester Fuxová
as Benci Fux
as Herše Fux
as Leib Abramovič
as Old Kac
as Mojše Kahan
as Ivo's Mother
as Lieutenant
as Student
as Narrator (voice)
as Leib Abramovič (voice) (uncredited)
