The Beauty Queen Of Jerusalem Season 1 Episode 1
“The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” is an Israeli television series based on the novel of the same name by Sarit Yishai-Levi. The show premiered on HOT3 in Israel in 2020 and has since gained a considerable following among viewers worldwide. The show is set in Jerusalem in the 1940s and tells the story of a Sephardic Jewish family and their struggles to maintain their traditions and cultural identity amidst the changing times.
The Plot
The first episode of the series introduces us to the Luna family, who own a successful bakery in Jerusalem. The patriarch of the family, Aharon Luna, is a stubborn traditionalist who is determined to uphold the family’s Sephardic traditions and way of life. He has three daughters, Luna, Rachel, and Flora, who each have their own unique personalities and struggles.
In the first episode, we see Luna, the eldest daughter, who is considered the “beauty queen” of Jerusalem, getting engaged to a wealthy and influential man named Yitzhak. However, Luna is secretly in love with a young man named Gabriel, who she had a brief romance with in her youth. This conflict sets the stage for the drama and tension that will unfold throughout the series.
The Themes
The first episode of “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” touches on several themes that will be explored throughout the series. One of the most prominent themes is the tension between tradition and modernity. The Luna family, particularly Aharon, is deeply rooted in their Sephardic traditions and are resistant to change. However, as the world around them changes rapidly, they are forced to confront the challenges of adapting to a new way of life.
The show also deals with themes of love, family, and identity. Luna’s love for Gabriel is a central plot point that will be explored throughout the series. Her struggle to reconcile her feelings for him with her obligations to her family and community create a compelling and emotionally charged storyline.
The Performances
The performances in the first episode of “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” are excellent. The cast does an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life and creating a compelling and emotionally resonant story. Tiki Dayan, who plays Aharon Luna, delivers a standout performance as the stubborn and traditional patriarch of the family.
Yafit Asulin, who plays Luna, also delivers a strong performance as the conflicted and passionate daughter. Her chemistry with her co-stars is excellent, particularly with Michael Aloni, who plays Gabriel. Their scenes together are some of the most emotionally charged in the episode.
The Verdict
Overall, the first episode of “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” is a strong start to the series. The plot is engaging and emotionally resonant, the performances are excellent, and the themes are compelling. Fans of historical dramas and family sagas will find much to enjoy in this show.
Meta Description: Read our review of "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" Season 1 Episode 1. Find out what we thought of the plot, performances, and themes in this Israeli television series.
Meta Keywords: The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, Season 1 Episode 1, Review, Israeli television series, Sephardic Jewish family, love, family, tradition, Tiki Dayan, Yafit Asulin, Michael Aloni, historical drama, family saga.