Dybuk (1999)
Agnieszka Holland's haunting adaptation of the classic Yiddish mystical drama, where forbidden love, Kabbalah, and the spirit world collide in a Polish-Jewish village.
Dybuk - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dybuk
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Agnieszka Holland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: Polish
- Production Companies: Telewizja Polska
- Production Countries: Poland
Dybuk - Plot
In a Polish-Jewish village, pious student Chanan, captivated by Kabbalah, falls in love with Leah, the rabbi's daughter, but is forbidden to wed her and dies invoking the Ineffable Name - returning as a dybbuk (possessing spirit) at her wedding. Only after a mystical "trial" reveals a centuries-old vow binding their souls does the revered Rabbi Azriel exorcise the dybbuk, freeing both Leah and the restless spirit.
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Dybuk - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Agnieszka Holland
Main Cast
- Dominika Ostałowska
- Rafał Maćkowiak
- Jarosław Gajewski
- Marek Bargiełowski
- Władysław Kowalski
- Henryk Talar
- Cezary Kosiński
- Paweł Nowisz
- Paweł Deląg
- Jan Bzdawka
Writers
- Michal Friedman
Dybuk - FAQs
Is Dybuk based on a true story or source material?
Dybuk is not based on a true story but is an adaptation of the celebrated Yiddish play "The Dybbuk, or Between Two Worlds" by S. An-sky, written around 1914–1916. The play draws on Jewish folklore and Kabbalistic mysticism, and has been staged and filmed numerous times across different cultures.
Where can I watch Dybuk (1999)?
Streaming availability for Dybuk (1999) varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including any streaming, rental, or purchase availability, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date information across all major platforms in your country.
What is Dybuk (1999) about?
Dybuk follows Chanan, a devout Kabbalah student in a Polish-Jewish village, who falls deeply in love with Leah, the rabbi's daughter. Forbidden to marry her, he dies invoking a sacred name and returns as a possessing spirit at her wedding. A mystical trial ultimately reveals a centuries-old vow binding their souls.
Who directed Dybuk (1999)?
Dybuk (1999) was directed by Agnieszka Holland, the acclaimed Polish filmmaker known for her deeply humanistic storytelling and works such as Europa Europa, The Secret Garden, and Washington Square. Holland brings a restrained yet emotionally charged sensibility to this adaptation of the classic Yiddish theatrical text.
Who are the main actors in Dybuk?
The principal cast of Dybuk includes Dominika Ostałowska as Lea and Rafał Maćkowiak as Chanan, with supporting performances from Jarosław Gajewski, Marek Bargiełowski, Władysław Kowalski, Henryk Talar, Cezary Kosiński, Paweł Nowisz, Paweł Deląg, and Jan Bzdawka.
What is the ending of Dybuk explained?
At the film's conclusion, the revered Rabbi Azriel conducts a mystical trial that uncovers a centuries-old vow binding Chanan and Leah's souls across lifetimes. After the dybbuk is formally exorcised, Leah is freed from possession — but, reunited spiritually with Chanan, she too passes from the living world, suggesting that true union transcends death.
How long is Dybuk (1999)?
Dybuk (1999) has a runtime of 91 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes. The film's compact length suits its stage-derived source material, maintaining a focused, ritualistic atmosphere throughout its exploration of love, mysticism, and the boundary between the living and the dead.
What language is Dybuk (1999) in?
Dybuk (1999) is a Polish-language production, with Polish as both the original and primary spoken language throughout the film. It was produced in Poland by Telewizja Polska and reflects the country's rich tradition of literary and theatrical adaptations for television and cinema.
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