With so many movies to see at the moment it takes a lot to make a movie stand out and be memorable. While I know little about the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle, at the moment Disobedience is destined to be one movie that makes my top 10 this year.
Disobedience takes the prodigal son tale and gives it a tender, sensual feminine twist.
Ronit (Rachel Weisz) is happily working in New York as a sought after photographer when she hears the news of her estranged rabbi fathers death.
Thanks to Disobedience
When Ronit returns home to London after many years absence, her Orthodox Jewish family is anything but pleased to see her. During the funeral it becomes apparent that Ronit has been wiped out of family the history and cousin Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) seems to have taken her place as the chosen one to follow on her fathers work. Something big has clearly happened in the past.
After some initial apprehension Dovid seems moderately pleased to see her and takes her into his home.
Thanks to Disobedience
Things get even more interesting when Ronit finds out her Dovid is now married and his wife is none other than her childhood friend Esti (Rachel McAdams).
Thanks to Disobedience
Disobedience is an exploration of the choices we make, the expectations that hamper our decisions and the impact of free will. As the movie progresses we are reminded about Ronits fathers initial sermon on the difference between Angles, Beasts and Humans.
As the thought-provoking last image lingered on the screen I pondered:
- The worst thing in life is to leave it with things unsaid;
- Is it better to stay and live a half life meeting everyone’s expectations, or leave and live your full life?;
- Nivola gives a good performance, however the two Rachels put in stunningly believable performances. They are both equally compelling to watch;
- Disobedience is a tender, sensual portrayal of forbidden love.
For more information go to Luna cinemas.
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