The film depicts competing Jewish and "Christian" cultures--living side-by-side--seeking coexistence as American citizens. What is undeniably evident over time, is that neither culture wishes to 'integrate' with the other, despite sharing access to local geophysical, government, social, financial, spiritual, and economic resources.
The Director's manipulation of cultural tensions absent spiritual insights leaves this viewer doubting the value of chicken soup for a winter cold.
Review of City of Joel
