Sixty Six

In November 1965, Bernie Reubens, a young Hebrew boy, eagerly looks forward to his bat Mitzvah. He is driven by a desire to have a celebration that surpasses that of his brother Alvie.

Bernie lives with his parents, Manny and Esther, who have a tumultuous relationship influenced by Manny’s obsession with cleanliness. Additionally, Bernie faces bullying at school and at home from his charismatic brother, Jimmy, who consistently draws attention and laughter.

Bernie meticulously plans his bat Mitzvah, dreaming of an extravagant celebration with a guest list of 250 people. He aims to feature a sophisticated seating arrangement, heartfelt speeches, and even envisions Frankie Vaughan performing.

The family's grocery store faces fierce competition when a new supermarket opens nearby, leading to financial struggles. Manny stubbornly refuses to sell, depending on customer loyalty, but soon sees a decline as patrons flock to the other store.

Bernie's health takes a turn for the worse when he is diagnosed with asthma, needing treatment from Dr. Barrie. This is compounded by Manny’s absence during an important bat Mitzvah class, leaving Bernie feeling neglected and humiliated.

As financial pressures mount, Manny and Esther encourage Bernie to scale back his grand plans for the bat Mitzvah. They suggest a more intimate celebration, wanting Bernie to find joy in being the center of attention without the added extravagance.

Bernie learns that his bat Mitzvah coincides with the World Cup final, raising fears that many guests may skip his big day for the match. He clings to the hope that England won’t progress far in the tournament, fearing for his celebration's turnout.

Faced with a deteriorating business, Manny considers selling the grocery store to invest in a shoe shop. The initial success of the shoe shop brings some hope until complications arise regarding tax documents, putting his plans in jeopardy.

The bat Mitzvah location is moved to a community center, and in an unexpected twist, Jimmy buys the shoe shop, forcing Manny to work under him. England's win against Mexico briefly uplifts the family’s spirits amid their struggles.

During a visit to Dr. Barrie, Bernie accidentally witnesses an act of infidelity, igniting personal turmoil. Meanwhile, celebratory spirits over England’s football victory quickly lead to tragedy as Manny's home ignites from a stray firework.

After losing all of his savings in the house fire, Manny irrationally accuses Esther of infidelity in a moment of rage. He later regrets his accusations, realizing the weight of his actions amidst the family's mounting challenges.

As England progresses to the World Cup finals, Bernie fears that many of his bat Mitzvah guests will choose to watch the match instead. With attendees dropping out and the caterer canceling, Aunt Lila is forced to bake a subpar cake for the occasion.

Manny contemplates resigning from his job under Jimmy, overwhelmed by his feelings of inadequacy. However, he experiences a moment of clarity and ultimately chooses to stay, seeking to support his family through these turbulent times.

On the day of the bat Mitzvah, chaos ensues as Bernie goes missing, leading his parents on a frantic search. They discover his hidden preparations and realize the depth of his emotions regarding the event.

Manny rushes Bernie to Wembley Stadium to witness the thrilling final match against West Germany. The family's shared experience during the match culminates in both an exhilarating football victory and the restoration of their familial bond.