Sometimes each of us is afraid of becoming the person we want to be because it does not match the expectations of those dearest to us. Yet when we compromise who we are to try and fit the mould that is created for us, there is a risk that we might never be able to break out of it.
Should we then follow our heads or follow our hearts? Just as Jonathan, the focal character in the story, grapples with this decision, so do we. It’s that perennial question that seems to confound every one of us regardless of the colour of our skin or the country of our origin.
Jonathan is a four-year-old boy who wants to dress up as the “Little Mermaid” for the Purim Festival which commemorates the joyous victory of the Jewish people over their oppressors. During the celebration, many children and even adults dress up in costumes amidst lots of feasting and festivity.
Even as a little boy, Jonathan is well aware of the implications of his decisions. Like Ariel, the mermaid princess, who had to decide between having legs or fins, Jonathan had to choose between dressing up as a princess and dressing up “normally”.
He knows that if he decides to do something out of the ordinary, he might be frowned upon by his family and friends. Jonathan’s father stoutly opposes to his son wearing a dress to Purim and he makes his decision explicit. This completely devastates Jonathan.
With each decision we take, there are consequences to face and sacrifices to make. In its sheer simplicity and innocence, this is a truly endearing film not to be missed.
Find out whether Jonathan finally got to dress up as his favourite “Little Mermaid” at the final screening of the film on 2nd December, Saturday, 4:30p.m at The Arts House.
