However, the film is not without its detractors. Some critics find the script to be the weakest part, describing it as fluctuating "from brilliance to embarrassment". Others find the portrayal of women problematic, depicting them as objects in a "patriarchal chauvinistic society" who are kidnapped, threatened, and locked in closets. Some viewers simply found it "annoying" and "poorly-scripted". Despite these criticisms, many reviews conclude with a warm recommendation.
Upon pouring, the 2011 Matana Mishamayim presents itself with a deep, almost opaque garnet hue. The nose is immediately seduced by a rich bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry, and hints of spice, accompanied by subtle notes of cigar box and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with well-integrated tannins providing structure and balance. Flavors of dark fruit, espresso, and a touch of smokiness unfold, leading to a lingering finish.
If you were fortunate enough to experience the , you know why it earned its “best” designation. But don’t let nostalgia overshadow the present. The 2011 has now come into its own — fully mature, beautifully complex, and still singing. It is, without question, a worthy sibling to the legendary 2003, and for those who open it today, a true gift from above.
: The film was a major contender at the Israeli Film Academy Awards (the "Ophir Awards"), receiving 12 nominations , including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Music. This recognition highlights the high regard in which the industry held Kosashvili's work. 2011 matana mishamayim gift from above 2003 best
Let’s break down the specific reasons why the 2003 base material makes the 2011 Matana Mishamayim the crown jewel.
The lasting brilliance of Gift from Above lies in its understanding that human folly doesn't change based on location. Whether plotting a grand heist or arguing over neighborhood gossip in a parking lot, the characters are driven by universal desires: love, wealth, validation, and freedom.
Furthermore, the phrase "Gift from Above" takes on a meta-meaning when analyzing the industry itself. The transition from the high-energy pop of 2003 to the soulful acoustics of 2011 represents a "gift" of artistic evolution. Where the 2003 style was often about celebration and external expression, the 2011 hit demonstrated that the "best" music could also be internal and quiet. It proved that a song did not need a driving dance beat to be universally loved; it needed honesty. This shift allowed for a new wave of "crossover" artists who could seamlessly move between secular radio and the synagogue, bridging gaps that had previously seemed unbridgeable. However, the film is not without its detractors
The story is set within a close-knit, chaotic Georgian-Jewish community in Israel, all living in the same apartment complex and working at Ben Gurion Airport. At the heart of the plot is a high-stakes scheme: a group of baggage handlers plans to steal a shipment of uncut diamonds that arrives on a weekly flight from South Africa. The heist turns into a satirical look at the community's inner-workings, depicting women who are mistreated, kidnapped, threatened, and locked in closets.
Film critics frequently compare Dover Kosashvili's directorial energy in Matana MiShamayim to the celebrated Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica. Kosashvili crafts a "comic macabre" universe where ancient, tribal customs collide violently with the modern Western realities of 21st-century Israel. The Paradox of Gender Roles
2011 was the opposite of 2003. It was a in Israel, with rain during flowering and hail in some regions. Yields were low, and rot was a threat. Only the best vineyards and strict sorting saved the harvest. Winemaker Lior Lacser (then Carmel’s chief winemaker) described it as “a year that demanded more work than talent.” The nose is immediately seduced by a rich
I learned this while staring at two numbers: and 2011 .
The 2011 release of Matana Mishamayim is a striking continuation of a legacy first cemented with the legendary — widely hailed as one of the finest expressions of Israeli winemaking in modern history.
So, is Matana MiShamayim one of the "best" films, as your search suggested? It depends on the metric. It is not a universally beloved classic, as evidenced by its moderate user ratings (5.8/10 on IMDb). However, it is undeniably :
It borrows elements of classic Israeli "Burekas" town comedies but strips away the self-imposed moral filtering to deliver something far sharper. Critical Legacy and the 2011 Resurgence
That eight-year gap wasn’t denial. It was preparation.