Bernie, a 12-year-old British boy who is tormented by his older brother and completely overlooked by his parents, knows deep in his heart that his Bar Mitzvah will change everything. When he finally becomes a man, the world (and his family) will see him in a new light. Or so he thinks. It just so happens that the year is 1966, and the scrappy English football (soccer) team is clawing its way through the World Cup playoffs en route to the finals.

The big game is scheduled for the same day as Bernie’s Bar Mitzvah, which has been scaled back anyway, because Bernie’s father has suffered some serious setbacks caused by his own unfortunate judgment. Things go from bad to worse for Bernie throughout the film up to the very end, which is so touchingly beautiful yet imperfect that even the most stoic cynic will shed a tear or two.

Sixty Six was well received in Great Britain, and has been a big hit at Jewish film festivals, but is finally being released in New York and LA, with platform openings to follow. It’s a gem worth seeing as soon as possible, even if that means waiting for it to come out on DVD.  

Rated PG-13.

-- LJM