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Is watching a (decent) movie during long international flight during the 9 days permitted?

In general since many types of pleasurable activities are limited during the 9 days I would think that movies fall under the not-permitted category, just like listening to music for pleasure. The only difference here is that here I am not so much seeking out a pleasurable activity as much as I am seeking distraction during a long and uncomfortable flight.

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  • In general since many types of pleasurable activities are limited during the 9 days I would think that movies fall under the not-permitted category, just like listening to music for pleasure. The only difference here is that here I am not so much seeking out a pleasurable activity as much as I am seeking distraction during a long and uncomfortable flight. I am flying Sunday evening and would be grateful for some advice! (I do not want to ask LOR since I suspect the answer would be one should not watch movies 365 days a year!) – flyer Aug 4 '16 at 21:29
  • Questions asking for a practical ruling (p'sak halacha) are off-topic. For practical advice, consult your rabbi. (More information.) – msh210♦ Aug 4 '16 at 23:07
  • Also, in case this question does remain open to answers despite the fact that you indicated in a comment that you plan to rely on it for p'sak, can you edit to clarify why you think it will make a difference whether you're watching a decent movie (like The Godfather) or a poor movie (like The Godfather Part III)? – msh210♦ Aug 4 '16 at 23:13
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    I didn't exactly mean that I would be relying upon someone's answer as a clear-cut psak. Rather I'm looking for input that can help clarify the issue for me. HueMan's answer is definitely that direction and I found it helpful. – flyer Aug 5 '16 at 11:25
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There is no specific issur to the act watching a movie in the nine days. However there is a concept of mimaatim bi'simcha, decreasing celebration. So we can imagine a range of more "celebratory" type movies, like comedies, to less celebratory, like drama, to documentaries which aren't celebratory .

Assuming we are talking about non-assur content, it's up to you to decide what you want to do and how much you want to be mimaet bi'simcha.

https://www.ou.org/holidays/the-three-weeks/laws_and_traditions_of_the_nine_days/ is a very good summation of these concepts.

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  • Since few or none of us know who you are, we don't have any particular reason to take your word for what you say. So can you edit in sources for your claims? – msh210♦ Aug 5 '16 at 15:12
  • ou.org/holidays/the-three-weeks/… is a very good summation of these concepts. – user12751 Aug 5 '16 at 15:28
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    @HueMan, didn't mean it to be unwelcoming, sorry. I was just being (perhaps overly) explanatory about why sources are important. – msh210♦ Aug 5 '16 at 15:44
  • @msh210 no problem – user12751 Aug 5 '16 at 15:52

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