While generally liked, it is often viewed as slightly inferior to Koshashvili’s previous hit, Late Marriage .
Ultimately, the sentiment that "2003 is best" is not merely nostalgia; it is an acknowledgement of cinematic cohesion. The 2003 film told a complete story with a satisfying emotional arc. It did not require a sequel to validate its existence. When fans look back at the Matana Mishamayim saga, they see the 2011 continuation as a testament to the original's popularity, but they reserve the title of "best" for the 2003 classic. It remains a superior piece of filmmaking—a genuine "gift from above" that landed perfectly, capturing the hearts of a nation and securing its place in the pantheon of great Israeli dramas.
There is a strange, beautiful tension in the Hebrew phrase —"a gift from heaven."