Treasure
1990 - Ruth, a neurotic businesswoman from New York, takes her father Edek, a charmingly stubborn Holocaust survivor on a journey to Poland to make sense of her family's past. Edek's hesitation to confront his past and his often odd demeanor cause more than just one dispute between him and his daughter. The trip unfolds into a story that encapsulates the emotion of discovery and drama with humor. Based on the best-selling autobiographical novel TOO MANY MEN by New York-based writer Lily Brett.
- Released:
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Genre:
- Stars: Lena Dunham, Stephen Fry, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Wenanty Nosul
- Director: Julia von Heinz
Comments
- rjf-63090 - 23 June 2024
Fractured father/daughter journey
Treasure follows Ruth, the daughter of two Polish/Jewish Holocaust survivors, who journeys to Poland in 1991 to see places important to her family's story. Ruth's father, Edek, only accompanies her because he doesn't believe a women should travel alone. The best, most poignant scenes are a visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where Edek and his late wife were imprisoned, and a scene where a family treasure is found.
The rest of the movie is tedious, with many father/daughter disputes, including a very awkward argument in front of three people they only met a few days before. The lack of tolerance between Ruth and Edek is painful to watch. Although Ruth wants to find her Polish roots, she seems disdainful of the Polish people and culture, even the food.
The movie is inaccurately billed as a comedy/drama. I didn't expect much comedy, and most attempts at humor fell flat. The few touching moments are overwhelmed by exaggerated father/daughter conflict.
