I think this film is just about perfect. Two pieces of advice: the Yiddish fable that is the prologue is, in my opinion, just there for atmosphere and fun. Enjoy it and forget it. The film takes place in Minnesota not Europe.
Two. Check out the Bonus feature on Yiddish and Hebrew words BEFORE you watch the film. Jews will know them. The rest of us won't.
Bottom line: this film will make you laugh and also make you think. However, there is no right way to "get" this film. One thing I do notice. The film is far more irreverent toward Judaism than "Hail Caesar" is about Catholicism. But then the Coens did not grow up Catholic. They grew up Jews! They know what they are being irreverent about while Catholicism is, to them, more exotic and even spiritual. From a distance.
Two. Check out the Bonus feature on Yiddish and Hebrew words BEFORE you watch the film. Jews will know them. The rest of us won't.
Bottom line: this film will make you laugh and also make you think. However, there is no right way to "get" this film. One thing I do notice. The film is far more irreverent toward Judaism than "Hail Caesar" is about Catholicism. But then the Coens did not grow up Catholic. They grew up Jews! They know what they are being irreverent about while Catholicism is, to them, more exotic and even spiritual. From a distance.