🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ofir Raul Graizer
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 53min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (5.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A German baker stalks his dead lover’s wife in Jerusalem and bakes non-kosher cakes until everyone is uncomfortable.
🍿 The Cakemaker: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Affair and Tragedy
Thomas, a German baker, is having an affair with Oren, an Israeli businessman who frequently visits Berlin. Oren is married with a son in Jerusalem, but their relationship deepens during Oren’s monthly trips. However, tragedy strikes when Oren suddenly dies in a car accident shortly after telling his wife he was going to leave her.

Journey to Jerusalem
Grief-stricken and seeking answers, Thomas travels to Jerusalem to find Oren’s wife, Anat. He doesn’t reveal his relationship with Oren and instead, gets a job at Anat’s struggling cafe. Thomas’s baking skills revitalize the cafe, but he lives under the constant weight of his secret and the growing feelings between him and Anat.

Secrets and Complications
As Thomas becomes more involved in Anat’s life, his lie grows increasingly complex. The cafe faces challenges related to keeping kosher, and Anat’s brother becomes suspicious of Thomas. Eventually, Anat discovers the truth about Thomas and Oren’s relationship, leading to emotional consequences and a break in their connection.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Thomas (Tim Kalkhof): A German baker who travels to Jerusalem seeking answers after the death of his Israeli lover.
- Anat Nachmias (Sarah Adler): The Israeli widow of Oren who unknowingly hires her late husband’s lover, Thomas, at her café.
- Oren Nachmias (Roi Miller): An Israeli married man who leads a double life, having an affair with Thomas in Berlin.
- Moti (Zohar Strauss): Anat’s religious brother-in-law who is concerned about the café’s kosher status.
- Hanna (Sandra Sade): Oren’s mother who seems to possess a quiet understanding of the hidden relationships.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Anat: “I don’t understand why you’re doing this.” – Anat expresses her confusion about Thomas’s motives after discovering his true identity and connection to Oren.
- Thomas: “(Silence, often communicated through expressions and gestures)” – Thomas is a man of few words, his emotions and intentions largely conveyed non-verbally, especially during moments of grief and introspection.
- Oren’s Mother: “(Implied understanding and acceptance of Thomas)” – Her warmth and tacit knowing towards Thomas suggest an acceptance of Oren’s relationship that transcends societal norms.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $875,751
- Worldwide Gross: $1,287,568
💥 The Cakemaker Reviews
Personal Review
I was deeply moved by ‘The Cakemaker.’ The quiet tension and the unspoken emotions between the characters were captivating. The scene where Thomas breaks down was particularly impactful, and I felt the raw pain of his loss. The ending left me pondering the complexities of love and grief long after the credits rolled. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, character-driven stories.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of international dramas”
- “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven films”
- “Foodies who enjoy movies featuring culinary themes”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Depiction of grief and loss”
- “Brief sexual content”
- “Themes of infidelity”
- “Cultural and religious sensitivity may be required”
Professional Reviews
- Screen Daily: “A quietly powerful film trading dramatic fireworks for quiet rumination, diving deep into the psychology of grief rather than indulging in scandal. The performances are beautifully restrained.
- Variety: “The Cakemaker beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and cultural identity through the lens of a complex relationship. The film delicately balances emotional intensity with subtle nuances, making for a thought-provoking and moving experience.
Audience Reactions
The acting was amazing!: Viewers praised the film’s delicate storytelling, profound insights and emotional depth.
Overall Consensus: A poignant and thought-provoking drama about grief, love, and cultural identity, told with subtlety and emotional depth.
Awards
- Israeli Film Academy Awards (Ophir Awards) (Best Film)- 2018
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is a German-Israeli co-production, reflecting its themes of cultural connection and historical complexities.”
- “Director Ofir Raul Graizer developed the story from a real-life incident, adding personal experiences and observations.”
- “Filming took place in both Berlin and Jerusalem, showcasing the contrasting environments and cultures.”
- “The film explores themes of grief, cultural identity, and forbidden love, challenging societal norms.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Cakemaker?
The Cakemaker is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Cakemaker, you might like these similar films:
- Call Me By Your Name (2017): Explores themes of forbidden love and self-discovery in a visually stunning setting.
- Le fate ignoranti (2001): Deals with themes of loss and self-discovery after the death of a loved one, exploring unconventional relationships.
- A Single Man (2009): Depicts the grief and journey of a man coping with the sudden loss of his lover.
- God’s Own Country (2017): Features a similar plot about forbidden love between two men from different backgrounds who embark on a personal journey of self-discovery.
🛒 The Cakemaker Related Products
- Black Forest Cake Mix: Bake your own authentic German Black Forest Cake at home and taste the flavors featured in ‘The Cakemaker.’ This high-quality mix ensures a delicious and moist cake every time.
- Jerusalem Travel Guide: Explore the city of Jerusalem with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the historical sites, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems featured in the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Cakemaker features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Cakemaker is a drama about a German baker who travels to Jerusalem after the death of his Israeli lover and becomes involved in the life of the man’s widow.
The Cakemaker was filmed in both Berlin, Germany, and Jerusalem, Israel, showcasing the contrast between the two cultures and settings.
While not based on a specific true story, The Cakemaker explores universal themes of grief, love, and cultural understanding.
🔥 Bonus Content
Top 5 Movies – Newest Weird Love Movies ! 💬🎬
Ever feel like watching something a little different? This video lists ‘The Cakemaker’ as one of the top movies about unconventional love. I thought it was quite interesting!
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