Arranged (2007) User Reviews

Uplifting film about Jewish-Muslim friendship

[JustCuriosity · 8/10 · 15 March 2007]

This film screened at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX. This is a warm feel good film with a positive message that would be particularly good for teaching teens about overcoming prejudice and understanding different cultures. The film focuses on two young female teachers - one an Orthodox Jew and the other an observant Muslim - who are assigned to work together in a multi-ethnic school in Brooklyn.

The film is charming and uplifting as the two women learn that they have more in common with each other than either would have expected. They find friendship with each other, because they are both confronting similar issues with their parents and the secular world. They are also both undergoing the difficulty of trying to find a mate through their community's traditional systems of arranged marriage. While some of the characters come off as walking stereotypes (the Jewish matchmaker appears to be straight out of Fiddler on the Roof), the film for the most part does a sensitive job of portraying both Islam and Judaism in a very positive light. The film respects the women's genuine commitment to their faiths even as they struggle with difficult aspects of their faiths.

Arranged also shows the difficulties and prejudices that both women experience for being religiously observant from secular people (particularly the school's idiot principal). This latter subject is an important one that is rarely addressed in the secular film world where religion is too often mocked as irrational and oppressive - particular towards women - rather than understood on its own terms.

The acting and the script are sometimes uneven and there are moments that feel like an after school special. The conclusion is a bit too simplistic. But the message about both necessity and possibility of multi-religious co-existence is a good one presented with humor, warmth, and intelligence. In a world, where religion is often the basis of division and hatred, it is good to see a film that attempts to show that Jewish-Muslim co-existence is possible.

The Power of Friendship and Tolerance

[tigerfish50 · 8/10 · 21 August 2010]

Nasira and Rochel are the daughters of a Koranic scholar and Orthodox Jewish fathers beginning their teaching careers at a NY elementary school, who are drawn together by their common experience of belonging to conservative religious communities. The film's title focuses on the issue of arranged marriage, but the two women are only subjected to fairly mild forms of arm-twisting associated with this patriarchal custom. The main theme is their friendship across a cultural divide, which provides support as they resist the school principal's disapproval of their beliefs and parental pressure to marry.

Nasira's father is portrayed as a traditionalist who simply cannot envision his daughter's future without marriage and children. He offers only minimal resistance when Nasira rejects his chosen prospect - and the father-daughter relationship appears to be strengthened by the episode. Meanwhile Rochel resists a comical onslaught from her mother and a gaggle of marriage arrangers when they present her with a parade of socially inept suitors. Her mother bullies her with warnings about family disgrace and lifelong spinsterhood, and blames her for her father's rising blood pressure.

Francis Benhamou and Zoe Lister Jones deliver fine performances as Nasira and Rochel. They are backed up by their support cast as the screenplay and direction navigate a narrow passage between melodrama and realism. By the time the story reaches its conclusion, only the most stubborn cynic will remain immune to these unusual heroines.

Delightful Movie But a Stretch

[Paul-271 · 8/10 · 14 December 2010]

I took a long shot watching this one on demand as recommended to me by the robot at Netflix. This one, unlike some others, was right on. The two main characters are a delight as was, at least for me, having an excursion into two highly alien cultures. Those cultures were Arab Muslim orthodox as well as Jewish Orthodox. The pivot of the movie is simple. There are two elementary school teachers each belonging to one of those communities who form a friendship as each is soon to be subject to an arranged marriage.

Other reviews will clue you in on more if you wish to read more plot-wise. For me, the charm of the movie resides entirely in the depiction of the characters especially the two soon to be married women. I was charmed by the movie and very much so those two friends.

What bothered me about the movie and something I've not seen mentioned is the political correctness evident throughout. The Jews are depicted as narrow minded somewhat brutal or stupid haters of all things either Arab or maybe non-Jew. Meanwhile the Arabs are all mellow high IQ tolerant understanding scholars. Where the Jews threaten and brutalize their daughter, the Arabs are understanding of theirs.

Even the home life reflects this. The Arabs are a loving family while the Jews snipe at each other, whine, terrify the daughter by saying her behavior will kill the father and even includes a consistently nasty little kid.

Perhaps this does reflect the reality of the two cultures. I surely can't say personally speaking, but the contrast did stand out to this reviewer.

That said, I can't recommend the movie enough for its good points, its charm and its general feel goodness.

The best film at SXSW 2007

[mrsouth · 10/10 · 14 March 2007]

I had no idea what to expect when I walked into this film at SXSW. All I knew was that it was about a Muslim and a Jew who become friends. I figured it would be some kind of Movie of the Week type film with a sentimental "let's all get along" message, but it turned out to be a lot more complicated and interesting than that.

The main plot is that an Orthodox Jew (Zoe Lister Jones) and a Muslim (Frances Benhamou) work at a public school together, and find that their conservative lifestyles and impending arranged marriages make them have more in common with each other than anybody else at the school... even though Jews and Muslims as groups historically have some problems with each other.

It establishes the worlds of Orthodox Judaism and Islam so pitch-perfectly that the movie is fascinating just on the level of observing the lives of others. Though, to be sure, Orthodox Judaism does seem to get a bit more screen time, probably because the writer and the director both have more direct experience with Judaism than Islam. What we do see of both worlds is rife with similarities: both are marked by a reverence for history and tradition, and both are somewhat suspicious of people not members of their particular group. What the two lead women in this film hope to do is embrace the first part of their identities, while rejecting the second part.

Because this story is more concerned with character than multiple plot points, it would have failed without good performances. Luckily, the filmmakers found Lister-Jones and Benhamou to play the Jewish woman and the Muslim woman, respectively. They turn in two flawless performances, and prove themselves to be actresses to watch.

Better Romantic Comedy Than Most

[intelearts · 9/10 · 5 January 2008]

This is a delightful and thoughtful comedy.

Two supposedly diametrically opposed worlds meet in Rochel (Zoe Lister-Jones) an orthodox Jew and Nasira (Francis Benhamou) a Muslim.

Both woman are teachers who find that as they both have to find their husbands through the arranged marriage process they have more in common with each other than the secular world.

The delight is that is is a pretty straight-up great romantic comedy - Rochel keeps being set up with the wrong guys, Nasira gets the embarrassing dinner etc; of course, the road to true love is not smooth...

It really is very funny, witty - and well acted, especially Francis Benhamou as Nasira, who is stunning and positively lights up the screen with her smile.

Just a lovely film that deserves all the play it can get, and definitely deserves to be seen by anyone who loves romantic comedies.

Warmly recommended.

Excellent depiction of a friendship we all wish for

[williamscole-1 · 9/10 · 16 March 2007]

Arranged is a beautifully shot and written film that will pull you right into a story that we all hope happens. An Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman are both teachers who meet and become friends, learning about each other without the fraught biases that so often stop such a natural connection. In this case it's also a sensitive look at marriages often condemned as arranged and overly religious but quite often happening in a positive and consensual way. The film is quite an accomplishment. I saw it at SXSW and the audience was enthralled, teary and ultimately happy - a testament to the power of this film to help cross bridges and wipe away stereotypes.

nice, feel-good movie with blinders on

[deschreiber · 7/10 · 6 January 2012]

This is really a nice movie, with highly sympathetic characters and a bit of tension between the Jewish and Muslim cultures (not too much, mind you), and a pleasant, happy, all's-well-with-the-world ending (apart from the prominent anti-male comment). But it leaves you wondering whether it isn't mostly a fantasy. Did family and neighbours really do no more than tsk-tsk at their friendship? No insults? No warnings? No threats? The young women were very family-bound and would have found it very difficult to choose friendship over family loyalty. But most of all did the two friends never talk about Israel and Palestine? How could they avoid a rift when that topic came up? Still, I suppose not every movie has to fit perfectly into reality. Arranged is a very nice feel-good movie that should have been seen more widely.

Multi-layered heartwarming story

[envision3334 · 10/10 · 8 June 2007]

This is an engaging story that feels very real, and very important in our times when so many walls keep people from connecting with each other. It is so refreshing to have the bigger theme of cultural and religious differences treated with respect and interest, and with an absence of violence. The gradual and delicate building of the friendship between Rochel and Nasira is beautifully portrayed. And the film is funny! You don't have to be Jewish or Muslim to recognize the family dynamics, and you don't need to have attempted an "arranged" relationship to feel right into those first dates. The themes are familiar but never fall into cliché. The writing is crisp and the plot twists keep you wondering what's coming next. The two leads are excellently cast and balance each other without ever pushing for center stage. The directors had a firm sense of pacing -- they trust you to live into the often very beautiful images yourself. The film is permeated with respect -- for the story, for the viewers, for the creativity that clearly lived between the actors, and for the possibilities of real human meeting and understanding.

Death By Political Correctness

[hpipik · 4/10 · 5 January 2012]

So, two girls from traditional families, one Jewish one Muslim, discover they have much more in common than anyone imagined. Sadly, this movie is nothing more than the heartfelt wish, of the writers and director, for how the world ought to be, not how it really is. Do not confuse this movie for reality.

The girls are attractive, the acting is good, the sentiment is sweet, and I enjoyed the scenes of Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, a place I know fairly well. But to call the movie sophomoric is to give sophomores a bad name.

Yes, of course, individuals are the same everywhere, but this explains almost nothing about the world we live in. If everybody wants to be left in peace and to mind his own business, why are there wars? Why do husbands beat wives? Why do mothers abandon children? Ethnic cleansing? Jihad? Crusades? Etc., etc., etc. The world is more complicated than two young women who want to marry for love. Considerably more complicated, and a lot nastier.

Rachel and Nasira teach 4th grade at an elementary school in Brooklyn. Early in the movie, the children wonder about the teachers working together, and one students asks, "Don't the Muslims want to kill the Jews?" and the movie is off and running with its basic message that people everywhere are the same and all the unpleasantness is just a terrible misunderstanding.

There is no misunderstanding. Lots of people have lots of ideas, and not all these ideas are sweet and generous.

One poignant moment came when Nasira rejected the first suitor her father chose for her. Her father understood (so arranged marriages are alright). Well, fathers sometimes do understand. But twelve year old Afghan and Yemeni girls marrying 40 and 50 year old men is proof that fathers sometimes do not understand.

If Stefan Schaefer and Yuta Silverman (the writers), and Diane Crespo (the director), want to do more than "imagine world peace," if they want to strike a blow for world peace, they would do us all a favor by telling how it really is, rather than concocting a fable of arranged marriages.

A good film about relationships between people of different Religion.

[benni-7 · 10/10 · 16 March 2007]

I saw Arranged at SXSW festival, I was somewhat skeptical of the concept beforehand but was in for a nice surprise. The film is what I'd call a chick-flick, but unfortunately I have admit I really liked it.

I could ramble on about the performances of the actors, but I'd like to talk about structure (my favorite). I'm a fan of innovative films (another reason why I should not have liked this one), but more importantly I'm a fan of films who can enter the mainstream of distribution plainness and still fly high above the "average" arena.

This film differs from the mainstream but still manages to stay in there. And that's why I liked it very much. It brings up important questions about how society labels in terms of religion, it manages to create a heartwarming relationship between girlfriends, the main character goes on a soul searching journey and most importantly the resolution is very well executed (here is where most films just fall into the pit of over-simplifying).

A good good film, surprisingly good, especially for my taste.

Excellent Film between Arabs & Jews, Two Thumbs up

[KATO-SUBZERO · 8 February 2016]

Sunday, 7 February 2016

Shalom. Ma nish ma? This is a great film. I wonder why I have not heard or seen it in the year of 2007 when it was released. This film is great from start to finish. It shows how two young women, one Jewish American and one Arab American who bond and develops a friendship by way of working as public teachers.

Their friendships shows how much better the world would be if only the two groups would open their hearts and minds. Arabs & Jews are in reality half brothers/half sister. The two women also have something in common with both sets of families are trying to forced each one into marrying a man they do not date, get to know nor love, henceforth the title "Arranged" or "Arranged Marriage."

I thank God that I live in great U.S. America where our parents in our society does Not force or allow their teens to marry before they are 18 or 21 and marry a man or woman, they do Not get to date and know well and most important to find things in common and physical attractions. In my opinion, 18 is to early, barely out of high school.

This film also show bigotry and racism when Rochel, the young Jewish woman brings home her Arab friend, Nasira and the same when Rochel is in the Arab home. However, in the Arab home, it seems to be a little more friendly and tolerant.

This hatred is NOT of God and Jesus Christ/Yeshua, but due to long ago feuds ever since in the Holy Bible, Abraham was married to his Jewish wife, Sarah who could not have kids. Sarah gave husband Abe permission to be with their house maid, Hagar, an Egyptian Arab woman. Abraham's first son was Ishmael by Hagar. Later on, Abe had a son with his wife, Sarah whose name was Isaac. Hagar and Ishmael was forced to leave and so the feud of hate began.

In reality, "Racism, bigotry and hate is something a child is taught, Not something a child is born with." and "True Love sees No skin color" Anyhoo, this film is excellent. I give it a 10 and two thumbs up.

Shalom, Laila Tov. La heet ra ot.

Friendship among Muslims and Jews.

[bluefc2000 · 10/10 · 14 January 2008]

An excellent film.

Summary: A traditional Muslim girl and Jewish girl work together at a school in Brooklyn. Together they experience what it means to adhere to religious and cultural convictions while pursuing one's happiness.

I respect the fact that both Muslims and Jews can live in harmony. I hope the world can learn from this and live in peace. I have friends of many different faiths and living in America gives us the freedom to live peacefully. Amazing. The movie accurately portrays what today's generation of religious Muslims and Jews go through in respect to family pressure and cultural convictions. I could relate to both of the characters and wished for both of the girls' happiness. I hope there are more movies like this to come, consisting of all types of cultures and religions.

wrong rule

[atathos-947-443732 · 7/10 · 2 December 2021]

The rule of anti-stereotype game is wrong. If the "nasty" child need to change his name to enter the circle.

It follows, then, that the Jew and the Muslim must change religion in order to enter the circle.

Masterclass in bad everything

[GabrielDertzer · 2/10 · 29 March 2015]

This comedy/drama/romance is neither funny, dramatic, nor romantic.

The acting is wooden and amateurish, the cinematography is no better than a home movie, the editing is embarrassing, and the directing is appalling. Did I mention how awful the acting is? It's bad, really bad. It's impossible to feel any affinity for any of the characters and so difficult to care what happens in the film or to the individuals.

The script is constructed entirely of clichéd language and set pieces that make the whole movie feel disjointed and clunky. It alludes to providing insight into the age-old relationship between Jews and Muslims but doesn't expose or inform in any way.

Above all of this, the major failure is the soundtrack which is so irritating that, if you watch this film at all, you should turn the sound off and watch with subtitles.

Pleasant Surprise

[thejimhale · 10/10 · 23 May 2008]

I downloaded this from netflix wondering if it was any good. Wow is all I can say. The chemistry between the girls is incredible. It was a very believable relationship and the tribulations both go through seemed very genuine. This is a very uplifting film on many levels e.g. the relationships with the school children, the families, the suitors. I have to say that the Orthodox Jewish girl was an incredible actress, emoting intelligence and beauty. The Orthodox Muslim girl also came off as radiating happiness and intelligence. I would hope that this film gets more publicity and sets off a spark of amity between Jews and Muslims.

Very nice film

[cl777 · 8/10 · 21 February 2010]

A fellow blog reader suggested that I watch "Arranged" (2007). It is a very nice film that I definitely recommend as well.

Arranged is about the friendship between two women- one an Orthodox Jewish school teacher and the other a Muslim one. The acting was very strong and credible and the story absorbing as the womens' relationship develops against all odds. They find similarities in their situations despite great cultural and religious divides and solace in the fact that their parents are trying to arrange marriages for both of them with candidates who as the name implies, they cannot choose.

The actresses who portray Rochel and Nosira are beautiful inside and out and made this film a true pleasure to watch. The ending was uplifting and charming; the movie all around very enjoyable.

My rating: 8 For more reviews please read http://paulinasmovies.blogspot.com

It's the only way we can solve the hatred.

[jeromec-2 · 10/10 · 1 March 2011]

What a remarkable film. I cannot tell you anything about who made it, why it was made, who financed it, who the main actors were and what they've done before this.

I cannot say anything much about the music, the setting, or the technical details that make a great film. None of those details matter.

What does matter is that it is an engaging film that speaks of the only way that Jews and Muslims are ever going to solve their difficulties.

It must begin with women and not just ordinary women, but women of great incite and tolerance and dare I use the word, love.

Both cultures have the word in their religion's vocabulary. The film seems to be saying learn what it means, and how to use it. The film takes for granted that both these women know what friendship means. They are bound not so much by their differences as their similarities.

Basically, the plot revolves around two modern women (or at least women who have grown up in a modern world) of vastly different backgrounds. They meet at the school where they will both be teaching. One, a Muslim, has been assigned a regular grade 4 class and the other, a Jew, has been assigned to special Education - her main assignment seems to be a blind boy who understands the workings of the soul almost as well as his teacher. Certainly, he is more practical and a lot more jovial.

The grade 4 class brings the problem into direct focus. They have obviously watched too much Fox News. They think that all Jews have horns (according to their Arab Neighbors) and all Arabs are bloodthirsty terrorists (according to the Jewish media). These two women work together on an idea developed by the Special Ed teacher to show that prejudice can be overcome by groups that don't allow hatred and ugly connotative words to develop at inflexibly deep levels.

The scenes that follow all have to do with welcoming strangers into one's home (The Muslim family does, the Jewish one does not), choices in marriage (both girls have a problem with this, but only the Jewish woman has a problem with her family as well) or the talk that binds their friendship.

I know that life is not that simple, but if we do not find alternatives to the hatred in the planet, then we will live in a hate-infested planet. Someone has to have the courage to write and speak about what can be done, not what is done. We need hopes, not 6:00 news. We need laughter and understanding, not tears and hatred. We need what this film offers.

I gave this film a 10 because it offered us choices, and it did so in a way that compromises nothing of our beliefs, and did everything it could to enhance our humanity. It did it with humor, good will, common sense and a little bit of cunning, but just a little.

An Arranged Drama (Without The Drama)

[MobileMotion · 3/10 · 11 February 2012]

If you're looking for a film which addresses the issues of arranged marriage, this is not it.

Two young women, one Jewish one Islamic, both belonging to families which are strict to their respective religions, start up a friendship and end up helping each other through the hazards and dilemmas of arranged marriage.

The conflict throughout this story is very light. It only really gets heated at one point near the end when a pro-womens' lib head teacher is told to back off (and you can almost hear the director applauding). Yes, the film-makers leave you in no doubt where they stand and make sure to avoid any deeper reflection on the subject. Just when you think some kind of drama may be about to kick off, the film does an about turn and heads for the emergency exit (signed 'COP OUT').

Of course, there are happy arranged marriages. But do we need this kind of saccharine-sweet depiction? There was a film about non-arranged marriages made in the 70s which ends with the wives wheeling their shopping trolleys around a store like zombies - it's called The Stepford Wives. Arranged has a similar end scene, but even more chilling considering the film-makers intended this to warm your heart.

You could try watching this film and imagining it's a sci-fi movie set in alternative reality where women's lib never caught on. Or maybe you're up for an arranged marriage and you need convincing.

Can an arranged marriage be a choice?

[Red-125 · 9/10 · 28 December 2013]

Arranged (2007) was directed by Diane Crespo and Stefan C. Schaefer. (Schaefer was also the writer.) Zoe Lister Jones plays Rochel Meshenberg, a young Orthodox Jew, and Francis Benhamou play Nasira Khaldi, a young Orthodox Muslim. Both young women are new teachers in the New York City school system.

Both of these women accept their culture, in which arranged marriages are the accepted norm. Neither woman rejects the reality of arranged marriages. The problem is that the prospective partners are definitely not to their liking.

Living in the U.S. in the 21st Century exposes the women to a society in which an arranged marriage is considered an anomaly. In fact, this is the position taken by the school's well-meaning, but dismally unaware principal. (Played by Marcia Jean Kurtz.) In fact, the intrusions of Principal Jacoby are so clumsy that all she does is alienate both women, and drive them closer together. (I think Crespo and Schaefer brought her into the movie to present what they see as the feminist viewpoint. The feminist viewpoint has a place in the film, but not in the manner in which it's portrayed.)

Similarly, Rochel's visit to her non-Orthodox cousin is another clumsily portrayed view of the outside world. Women who leave the Orthodox community don't automatically gravitate to parties where everyone is drugged out.

Despite these flaws, the basic plot works well. We can believe that the women would become friends. They accept each other as faithful members of a different culture and religion, and they move on from there. They can remain friends, but only on neutral turf like the school or a park, but that's OK.

Both can remain firmly within their communities, but try to find happiness on their own terms. In order to learn how they move forward, you'll have to see the movie.

We saw this film on DVD, and it worked very well on the small screen. It was highly recommended by a knowledgeable friend. In turn, I'm recommending it to anyone reading this review. It's definitely worth seeing.

A Sparkling Gem . . . .

[sundayatdusk-97859 · 10/10 · 21 September 2023]

This is truly a sparkling gem of a movie. Rochel and Nasira are new teachers at a private school in New York City who become close friends. Rochel is an Orthodox Jew and Nasira is a devout Muslim. Both young women are at the age where it's time to have an arranged marriage.

Nasira has a less stressful time of it because her mother has no intention of making her marry someone she does not wish to marry. Her father has no intention of getting into a battle with the two of them, either. Nasira accepts the arranged marriage tradition, but she's not desperate to marry and likes her life and job.

Rochel, on the other hand, has a mother who is adamant that she make a match now. Not doing so will harm the reputation of the family, and possibly harm the chances of her younger sisters' future marriage prospects. Plus, an elderly aunt and a matchmaker are involved, so it's three against one. Her father has a starry-eyed view of matchmaking, so he's no help.

The principal of the school where they teach lectures both women about being chained down to old traditions. She tells them to dress differently and become modern-day women. She means well, but both Nasira and Rochel find her suggestions patronizing. They can accept their religions' traditions as long as they have a choice about who they marry.

Both Zoe Lister-Jones and Francis Benhamou are perfect for their roles and both are incredibly likable. The story has a nice mixture of drama and humor, too. It's one of the best movies ever made about matchmaking, as well as one of the best to show how not all intelligent modern-day women want to throw out all the old traditions.

Very worthwhile watch

[desertwildflower · 10/10 · 28 April 2017]

I am neither Muslim nor Orthodox Jew, although I think anyone who abides by the tenets of a religious faith or lives among people who do would find relatable ground in the themes presented in this film. I recognize there are reviewers who are concerned about aspects of Orthodox Jew and Muslim portrayal that may not be perfectly accurate, but feel that regardless this film is a very valuable watch for anyone who lives in this world and doesn't know everything about every culture and religion. The film is beautiful. It is clean and very appropriate for older children and teens to view as well. The thematic elements of cultural diversity, religious background and choice, and familial relations are portrayed in a really nice and educational way. The characters story may not be my story, but it was so relatable as another person of faith that hopes that people will see me as more than just my religion or where I come from, but for my depth of character and contribution to the world as well. (Both main characters are just so charming!) I am confident that most people would also find very relatable thematic elements. My favorite part is the diversity of the elementary school classroom and how misconceptions on cultures and religions you are somewhat ignorant about are addressed. It is beautiful. The leading actresses were lovely. Haters may have all sorts of negativity to chuck at the film, but I think the world would be a better place if every school child, and adult for that matter, watched this film for its greater thematic elements, especially that we often have more in common than not.

Sweet delightful film!

[ritu_ruch · 10/10 · 14 October 2015]

Arranged is a adorable little film,I feel so delighted when I watch movies like this so pure,lovely with some touching moments.The film promotes unity of people from all religion without being preachy or boring.Its so heartwarming brings a smile on your face and you wish the world could be such a nice and beautiful place to live in.The acting by the Jew and Muslim girl was really cute and natural and their problem of not being able to meet the right life partner while meeting all the perspective grooms is a delight to watch and also their small little conversation together,their concern for each other esp when the Muslim girl helps the Jew girl find a life partner is sooo touching.We need more wonderful films like this and more people should watch such peace and love promoting films which teach us that we must love one another irrespective of our religion and should not be selfish.Watch arranged its a gem,a special mention to the producer and director for making this film.

Charming, avoids most (not all) obvious traps

[jimcheva · 9/10 · 23 July 2022]

This is an enchanting film with two enchanting leads. The basic premise of similarity through difference is nicely explored. The film even acknowledges its own "feel-good" tendancy in a remark about "world peace". The development and denouement of the story is very graceful. The one touch that is a bit jarring is the sometimes obvious defects of the potential suitors, not too far from a sequence you might see in a comedy about bad dates. I am a thoroughly unreligious person but one thing I loved here was the defiant defence of tradition and a gentle critique of people who are so sure of their own progressive ideas they bulldoze more traditional positions they can't accept. The character actors in the supporting parts are excellent as well. The film explores important issues with a deft touch and a great deal of humor and affection.

You are left with nothing

[cekadah · 4/10 · 6 September 2014]

This cute little soap opera of a flick was at best a sweet harmless story of two girls living their orthodox lives in the 21st Century. The plot line carries you along through the story tricking the viewer into thinking something big will happen at the end. It's like a joke firecracker that's all fuse and no bang. At the end of the movie the fuse just flitz out and you are left with nothing.

The two girls - one orthodox Jewish the other orthodox Muslim - are portrayed as intelligent well educated young women who are teachers in a private school. They become friends through circumstance at the school. Principal Jacoby tells them in her office meeting with them that she can see their future and hints that she is willing to give them a chance to create their own lives. Otherwise their life will be decided for them by their outdated religious culture and what's the use of all their education if they are willing to be locked away by tradition. Here is the balance of the story!

The Jewish girl seems to take this to heart but soon discovers she is in no way prepared for the world beyond her front door. The Muslim girl has already decided the outside world is not for her. They both stay within the safe boundaries of their religion and reject the concept of individuality as offered to them by Principal Jacoby.

A real disappointment of a story because the ending makes the whole movie pointless. And I feel the directors Diane Crespo and Stefan C. Schaefer are just saying that religious fundamentalism is 'the way'.