John Epstein

THE ANTIDOTE TO "SHTISEL" Watch with a heavy heart! Somehow, the basic sweetness of "Shtisel" makes one overlook the absolutely horrifying reality of any -- and ALL! -- religious fundamentalist communities. This documentary reveals the torture inflicted in the name of community on any individual who tries to follow his or her own individuality. Unfortunately, it is just one particular example of what goes on in ALL groups based on adherence to a religion-based, leader-led cult. We're not far removed here from strict Islamic cultures, from certain American-based isolated religious communities, even from a Jim Jones or David Koresh cult. Extremely well-done film, but the reality is hard to watch.