'DISOBEDIENCE': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
An indie drama about a woman who goes back to the Orthodox Jewish Community she grew up in, after being outcast from it decades earlier due to her attraction to a female friend. The movie stars Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola. It was directed by Sebastián Lelio, and it was written by Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz. The script is based on the book of the same name, by Naomi Alderman. It's received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics, and it's now playing in indie theaters (like Portland and Corvallis, OR). I found it to be moving and somewhat involving, but just a little too slow-paced.
Ronit Krushka (Weisz) learns of her father's passing, and then returns to the Orthodox Jewish Community she grew up in (for the funeral). She was outcast from the community, decades earlier, due to a childhood attraction to another girl, Esti Kuperman (McAdams). Ronit is shocked to learn that Esti is now married to David (Nivola), despite the fact that Esti only ever liked girls. A forbidden love affair between the two women once again comes to formation, and it once again shocks the community.
The movie has a strong message about rebelling against conformity and following your heart (as well as fighting oppression). It's a touching love story in the end, filled with decent performances. The film is really depressing and slow-moving though. I admire how well made it is, and the important story it tells, but I definitely can't say I had a good time watching it at all. It's neither entertaining, nor uplifting. It is true to life though, and it's still an important film for people to see (I think).
An indie drama about a woman who goes back to the Orthodox Jewish Community she grew up in, after being outcast from it decades earlier due to her attraction to a female friend. The movie stars Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola. It was directed by Sebastián Lelio, and it was written by Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz. The script is based on the book of the same name, by Naomi Alderman. It's received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics, and it's now playing in indie theaters (like Portland and Corvallis, OR). I found it to be moving and somewhat involving, but just a little too slow-paced.
Ronit Krushka (Weisz) learns of her father's passing, and then returns to the Orthodox Jewish Community she grew up in (for the funeral). She was outcast from the community, decades earlier, due to a childhood attraction to another girl, Esti Kuperman (McAdams). Ronit is shocked to learn that Esti is now married to David (Nivola), despite the fact that Esti only ever liked girls. A forbidden love affair between the two women once again comes to formation, and it once again shocks the community.
The movie has a strong message about rebelling against conformity and following your heart (as well as fighting oppression). It's a touching love story in the end, filled with decent performances. The film is really depressing and slow-moving though. I admire how well made it is, and the important story it tells, but I definitely can't say I had a good time watching it at all. It's neither entertaining, nor uplifting. It is true to life though, and it's still an important film for people to see (I think).