Unorthodox

As Deborah Feldman said in the Making of Unorthodox, the languages spoken may be foreign to some, but the happenings within the story line are universally understood.

Completely underrated.

Unorthodox is literally spellbinding. When I started the first episode, I had to watch them all, on the spot. I couldn't tear myself away. That never happens. Shira Haas plays Esty, and she is simply amazing. This story sheds light on the mysterious orthodox Jewish tribes or communities in what must be quite a realistic manner. It's fascinating, but viewers quickly identify with Esty's feelings of being smothered and of not belonging. One thing the film did so very well was bringing the viewer to see what it was like for Esty to experience so many things we take for granted, for the first time, and how those experiences captivate her and make us feel quite lucky to have access to them without a second thought. At the same time, I felt for the community, her tribe... they are different, but that's life. The only thing they are guilty of is making it too difficult for those wishing to leave. I haven't read the book the film is based on but I will now.

I cried a little while I reflected a lot. Beautifully told story. Wonderfully acted. Etsy's journey was relatable not because she was Jewish but because she was a young woman on a journey to womanhood, independence, Self-efficacy

This movie is a must watch, it shows how far we have come, how far we can go. I binge watched but there were times that I just had to pause and get air for sometime coz it's intense and it's surreal despite being so rooted in reality. Every single cast member were complex and had an arch, it was amazing really. I'm glad they y didn't dumb it down for us (outsiders of the community). Me pausing the show, to find out meanings of words and rituals didn't spoil my experience of the show but enriched it. There were moments I recoiled, moments I sympathized, moments I cried, but in the end I was touched by beautiful cinematic experience.

A young woman, trapped by the culture of orthodox religion escapes to start a fresh life, build new friendships, learn. Pursued by those that won't let go, she exercises the power to be herself come what may.

An inspiring piece of film making and a standout performance by Shira Haas. Hopefully goes some way to enlightening and empowering those in similar positions, demonstrating that there is a way to independence and self fulfilment, while educating a wider audience to the challenges faced by some, in the presence of traditions dating back to the pharaohs - overwhelmingly traditions used by men to control women.