Maktub 2017

Comedy

Drama

Rank

#33,628

Runtime

100 mins

Language

Hebrew

Directed by

Oded Raz

Made by

Terra Firma Films

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Maktub Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Maktub (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Steve and Chuma, two mobsters navigating the underworld while collecting sponsorship fees, find themselves in a life-altering situation after they miraculously survive a terrorist bombing at a restaurant. In the wake of the explosion, Chuma, who is temporarily deafened, believes that their survival was a result of divine intervention, prompting them to head to the Western Wall to offer their prayers.

While at the wall, Steve seizes a note that someone left there, using it as a means to communicate with Chuma. This note, originally written by a lonely boy raised by a single mother who cannot afford a bar mitzvah, inspires the pair to believe they were chosen by G-d to respond to the heartfelt prayers that reside within the wall. The story takes an emotional turn when they decide to visit Boris, the boy from the note, falsely claiming that his mother has won a lottery to host a bar mitzvah celebration.

Their adventures continue when they come across a second note, this time from a woman named Bruria, played by Edna Blilious, who longs for a child with her husband. The couple has had no luck in their attempts to conceive. In a misguided attempt to help, Chuma and Steve orchestrate a fake car accident, leading Bruria to a hospital where she coincidentally meets a fertility specialist. As they investigate further, they learn that Bruria’s husband may be infertile, complicating their plan.

In a humorous turn of events, Chuma visits the Mahane Yehuda Market seeking an old folk remedy for male infertility, which he later offers to Bruria. Throughout this ordeal, Avishar, who sees Chuma as a father figure, grows fond of him, while Chuma unwittingly discovers that Steve also bought the same remedy earlier—implying that Chuma might actually be Avishar’s biological father. The story deepens when they observe Avishar discreetly leaving his own note at the Western Wall, expressing his wish for Chuma to be his father.

However, their lives take another twist when they are captured by their former mob boss, who mistakenly believes they are scheming to take his money. Remarkably, salvation arrives in the form of the mob boss’s own hitman, who turns out to be Bruria’s husband, previously thought to be infertile, and he bears the joyful news of Bruria’s pregnancy.

The film draws to a touching conclusion as Chuma fulfills Avishar’s wish by accompanying him to a soccer match, while Steve comes to terms with Avishar being his son. Amidst laughs and heartfelt moments, Steve and Chuma’s journey serves as a testament to hope, love, and the unexpected paths life can take.

Maktub Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Maktub (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Surviving the Bombing

Steve and Chuma, two mobsters, miraculously survive a terrorist bombing in a restaurant. This event serves as a turning point in their lives and leads Chuma to believe they have been spared by divine intervention.

Restaurant

Prayer at the Western Wall

After the bombing, Chuma insists that they must pray for guidance and heads to the Western Wall. Here, Steve finds a note left in the wall, which he uses to communicate with Chuma, who is temporarily deaf.

Western Wall, Jerusalem

Reading the Boy's Note

The note they read reveals a lonely boy's wish related to a bar mitzvah, reflecting his mother's struggle to afford the celebration. Steve and Chuma decide they have been chosen by G-d to help answer the prayers left at the Western Wall.

Western Wall, Jerusalem

Meeting Boris

Steve and Chuma meet with Boris, the lonely boy mentioned in the note. They falsely tell him that his mother has won a lottery that will allow them to throw him a bar mitzvah, hoping to bring joy to the boy's life.

Meeting Avishar

Chuma encounters Avishar, a boy who is neglected by his father. Steve denies that Avishar is his son, setting the stage for Chuma to become a paternal figure for the boy.

Bruria's Wish

The second note they read is from Bruria, a woman longing for a child due to her struggles with infertility. Steve and Chuma devise a plan involving a staged car accident to connect her with a fertility doctor.

The Phony Accident

Chuma and Steve orchestrate a fake car accident that leads Bruria to a hospital. Here, she meets a fertility specialist who suggests that her husband's infertility could be the issue.

Hospital

Home Remedy for Infertility

Chuma goes to Mahane Yehuda Market in search of a folk remedy for male infertility. He offers this remedy to Bruria, showing his desire to help her achieve motherhood.

Mahane Yehuda Market

Avishar's Note

While following Avishar, Steve and Chuma witness him leaving a note at the Western Wall. In it, he expresses a heartfelt wish for Chuma to be his father, deepening Chuma's connection to the boy.

Western Wall, Jerusalem

Capture by the Mob Boss

Steve and Chuma are captured by their former mob boss, who suspects they are trying to take his money and run. Tension escalates as they confront their past and current troubles.

Rescue by the Hitman

Just in time, the hitman, who works for their mob boss, comes to their aid. It is revealed that he is Bruria's husband, who has come to share the good news that she is pregnant.

Chuma's Role as a Father

The movie culminates with Chuma taking on a father's role for Avishar, as he promises to be there for him. This moment signifies growth for both Chuma and Steve, as they embrace their new circumstances.

Avishar's Soccer Match

Chuma escorts Avishar to his soccer match, fulfilling the boy's dream and solidifying their bond. This joyful moment reinforces the theme of fatherhood that runs throughout the film.

Soccer Field

Steve Accepts Avishar

In a touching conclusion, Steve comes to terms with his feelings and finally accepts Avishar as his son. This acceptance marks a significant transformation in Steve's character and relationship dynamics.

Maktub Characters

Explore all characters from Maktub (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Steve (Hanan Savyon)

Steve is a mobster with a tough exterior but experiences a transformation throughout the film. Initially concerned about survival and money, he ultimately accepts Avishar as his son, showcasing growth in his character. His partnership with Chuma turns from a self-serving relationship into one of responsibility and care.

👨‍⚖️ Mobster 💼 Transformation

Chuma (Guy Amir)

Chuma is another mobster who believes in divine intervention after surviving a terrorist attack. His character is deeply affected by the wish of a lonely boy and takes on a fatherly role, especially towards Avishar. He grapples with his identity as both a gangster and a nurturing figure, creating a unique blend of toughness and tenderness.

👨‍👦 Gangster ❤️ Nurturing

Bruria (Edna Blilious)

Bruria is a woman struggling with infertility who represents the theme of longing and hope. Her desire for a child drives the plot, leading Chuma and Steve to intervene in her life. Her character reflects the emotional weight of motherhood, as she navigates societal pressures and personal disappointment.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 🌈 Hope

Avishar (Abraham Celektar)

Avishar is a lonely boy seeking parental affection and support. His innocent wishes placed in the Western Wall drive the actions of Chuma and Steve. The relationship he forms with Chuma showcases the longing for acceptance and belonging, as he views Chuma as a father figure.

👦 Loneliness 💞 Acceptance

Maktub Settings

Learn where and when Maktub (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Location

Western Wall, Mahane Yehuda Market

The Western Wall, located in Jerusalem, is a renowned religious site and a place of prayer for Jews worldwide. It is famous for the notes left in its crevices, where visitors express their hopes and wishes. Mahane Yehuda Market, also in Jerusalem, is a vibrant marketplace known for its fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies, often bustling with vendors and shoppers.

🕌 Religious Site 🛒 Market

Maktub Themes

Discover the main themes in Maktub (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🙏🏻

Faith

The movie explores themes of faith and divine intervention, as the characters believe they have been spared for a purpose. Their actions in responding to the notes at the Western Wall demonstrate a blend of spirituality and morality. These themes drive the plot, leading the characters to fulfill the wishes of others in a misguided but earnest manner.

👨‍👦

Fatherhood

Fatherhood emerges as a central theme, particularly through Chuma’s relationship with Avishar. The film examines the bonds formed between father figures and sons, even when biological ties are absent. Chuma’s evolution from a mobster to a nurturing figure emphasizes the transformative power of these connections.

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