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The Secrets

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Synopsis

The passions of a devout student and her rebellious roommate for their faith and each another are unlocked in this beautiful, poetic tale that explores the complexities faced by two Orthodox Jewish women.

Review

The bus arrives, bringing attractive, witty and intelligent Naomi (Ania Bukstein) to the picturesque town of Safed, one of the most sacred cities in Israel and the birthplace of Kabbalah. It is here that she is continuing her studies in Orthodox Judaism. This devout student is the daughter of a well-respected rabbi, but it was his repression of her that drove her away from home. She aspires to become the first female rabbi, but in conservative Jewish law, this dream is scorned. While at the seminary, Naomi meets the rebellious, secular teen Michelle, who just flew in from France. Polar opposites, they quickly bond when their headmistress asks them to look after a mysterious woman who is dying. Anouk (legendary French actress Fanny Ardant, 8 Women) is filled with secrets and seeks God’s forgiveness for her sordid past. Michelle and Naomi embark on a spiritual and emotional journey –- one that not only leads them to helping a lost soul but also opens their hearts to love. Filled with fervent passion and companionship, the two are inseparable. But with their cultural and religious beliefs, is love strong enough to keep these two amorous lovers together? With a tender touch and an acute eye for detail, acclaimed director Avi Nesher (Turn Left at the End of the World, Doppelganger) brilliantly tackles subjects taboo to a conservative community, including feminism, sexual awakening and lesbianism. Each character is tormented over what is right and what is seemingly wrong. These women struggle to find their place, but in the end it’s the journey that helps them find their way to personal salvation. (Hebrew and French with English subtitles)

-- Kelly Burkhardt

Product Format Information

DVD : $23.99

Availability: In stock and ready to ship
Region Code: 1
UPC: 012233381825

Studio : Monterey

Languages: Hebrew (Primary) , English Subtitles

Keywords

Gay/Lesbian, Lesbian, Religion/Spirituality, Romance

Genres

International, Lesbian

Customer Reviews

Feminsim and Sexuality in Judaism

Amos Lassen wrote on 02/03/2009:

“The Secrets”
Feminism and Sexuality in Judaism
Amos Lassen
“The Secrets” is a new Israeli film that looks at both sexuality and feminism in classic Judaism. Naomi, the headstrong daughter of a highly respected Orthodox rabbi, is promised to her father’s prized pupil. She neither feels anything for him nor is enthusiastic at the idea of marrying him and she convinces her father to let her go to Safed, one of the four holy cities in Israel and the birthplace of the Kabala, a form of mystical Judaism. She wants to study at a seminary for Jewish women.
While in Safed, she meets Michelle, the daughter of a wealthy secular family now living in France. Her parents have sent her to Israel to re-awaken her faith and to find a Jewish husband. The two women forge a close bond. Once while delivering meals to the poor, they meet Anouk, a non-Jewish foreigner who is dying and has come to Safed to seek divine forgiveness but because of her religion she is alienated by both villagers and religious leaders.
Naomi and Michelle’s compassion soon has them engaging their roommates in an attempt to save Anouk from her past through what is known as “tikun” (repair), a series of rigorous, religious cleansing rituals. As the two share the journey to help the dying Anouk, they find long suppressed feelings of love and passion arising from within and these feelings have no place in Orthodox Jewish life.
Both women are forced into making a choice as to whether to conform to what their families, society and religion expect or to remain true to themselves.
“The Secrets” is poignant and touching. The beautiful acting and the brilliant haunting soundtrack of liturgical music make this an incredible viewing experience. The film takes us into a world that is rarely seen in cinema.