Watch La Juive Opera Act One

La Juive Opera Act One is a French movie that premiered on May 23, 2019, based on a libretto by Eugène Scribe, who was a popular playwright in the 19th century. The movie is directed by Alex Ollé and co-produced by Opéra National De Paris, Bel Air Media, and Arte France. It features a musical score composed by Jacques Fromental Halévy, a well-known composer of his time.

The movie is set in medieval Switzerland and tells the story of Eléazar, a Jewish goldsmith, who tries to protect his daughter Rachel from the dangers of anti-Semitic groups that are gaining power in the region. The plot unfolds with the arrival of a young Christian nobleman, Léopold, who falls in love with Rachel, unaware of her Jewish heritage. This love triangle sets off a chain of events that challenges the characters' beliefs, loyalties, and values.

The movie opens with a prologue that establishes the historical context of the story. A narrator explains that the opera takes place in the 15th century, during the reign of Emperor Sigismund, who had issued a mandate to expel all Jews from his territories. This sets the stage for the anti-Semitic sentiments that are prevalent throughout the movie.

The first act of the opera starts with a scene in Eléazar's workshop, where he is working on a crown that he hopes to sell to the emperor. He is interrupted by the arrival of the Duke of Burgundy, who informs him of Léopold's arrival in the city. Eléazar is immediately suspicious of Léopold, given the growing hostility towards Jews. However, his doubts are put to rest when Léopold enters the workshop and expresses his admiration for Eléazar's craftsmanship.

Rachel then enters the scene, and Léopold is instantly smitten by her beauty. Eléazar tries to discourage Léopold from pursuing Rachel, warning him that she is already engaged. However, Léopold is undeterred, and he confesses his love for Rachel in a poignant aria, "O ma charmante, époux rêvé!".

The scene then shifts to a public square, where a group of citizens is protesting against the Jews. They are led by the countess Eudoxie, who is also Léopold's fiancée. Eudoxie sings a stirring aria, "Vainement, ma bien-aimée", in which she expresses her love for Léopold but also her fears about the dangers of his infatuation with Rachel.

As the act progresses, the tension between the Jewish and Christian communities reaches a boiling point. Léopold and Rachel meet in secret and sing a duet, "Ah! Qu'il est donc jour d'haine!", lamenting the predicament of their forbidden love. However, their happiness is short-lived when they are discovered by the Duke, who arrests Rachel and accuses her of seducing a Christian man.

The act ends with Eléazar seeking revenge against Léopold for causing his daughter's arrest. He sings a powerful aria, "Rachel, quand du Seigneur", in which he vows to sacrifice everything to save his daughter, even if it means betraying his own people.

In conclusion, La Juive Opera Act One is a compelling drama that explores themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal. The movie features a talented cast of singers who deliver stunning performances of the opera's beautiful arias and duets. The movie's lavish sets and costumes also add to the grandeur and spectacle of the story. Overall, this is a must-see for opera fans and anyone who appreciates a gripping tale of human passion and conflict.