The Little Traitor

The Little Traitor

I am embarrassed to state that I stopped to see this newly released film on my way up north to Collingwood for a wedding. I’m glad I did.
The time is 1947, just before the declaration of Israel as a state. The British Mandate was in control of Palestine. There were nightly curfews and the people hated the British intrusion.
12 year old Proffy Liebowtz is a precocious but loveable young Jewish resident. The name Proffy is short for professor because he is so smart. He lives in Jerusalem in a fine house with his parents. I loved the view of Jerusalem in those days.
His mother is loving and caring. His father is an editor and translator. He is cold and never has time for Proffy. He is very punitive and stern with Proffy.
Proffy spends his time playing with his toy soldier collection. He paints their hats red for the British soldiers. He talks with hatred to them and manufactures battles where he kills all of them. One soldier is seen hanging from his bed,
Proffy and his two best friends share a common interest. They form a bond to kill British soldiers. They plot to set off a home made bomb on the road.
One evening Proffy is late in getting home after the curfew. It has two ramifications. His father punishes him and is very angry.
On the road home Proffy is stopped by a British sergeant. He decides that he will not take him to jail and instead walks him to his house.
Proffy and the sergeant meet often in a café. They talk mainly about the bible. As time passes they become friends and Proffy feels secure to talk about his personal life. The sergeant also talks about his life. The British soldier breaks down the stereotypical presentation of the British soldiers.
There is humor and serious discussion. The two have a positive communication. Proffy had so much hated for the British soldiers. He discovered that this sergeant was a human being with very positive attributes.
The neibours tell on Proffy and he is charged with being a traitor. He is shunned by everyone and totally miserable.
His sergeant friend finishes his term and goes back home. Israel is declared to be a state. The celebrations were wonderful.
The film concludes when we meet Proffy again 20 years later. We realize that his childhood obviously affected his development as an adult. It was emotional and very satisfying. The film is based on a novel written by Amos Oz.