Il gioco dei rubini

I would like to comment on Renee's portrayal of the character Sonia--she was absolutely incredible! So many of her roles have been in the "cutesy" genre. This role was devoid of being "cutesy" at all. She was gutsy, believable and did a very good Brooklyn accent. I had never heard of this movie for one reason or another, and I'm glad I caught it on cable. A very, very good movie. One other comment: I am a Protestant, and I know very little about the Jewish faith. This movie peaked my curiosity for more knowledge about Hasidic followers of Judaism. I Googled and read about the beginning of the Hasidic beliefs. Once again, the cinema has enlightened me about a subject I previously had no knowledge of.

I was Sonia. I lived a life in many ways similar to her's - i.e., married a 'yeshiva buchor', supported him, rebelled (emphatically!), was ostricised and found the whole thing stifling, intollerant, conformist (woe betide to those who dared to be a bit different), suppressive and above all 100% hypocritical (I don't look Jewish and if I had a penny for the number of 'orthodox' men who tried to pick me up, I could retire!). Mendel's brother's behaviour wouldn't surprise me in real life one bit.

I was absolutely amazed how authentically the characters in this film portrayed the yeshiva going community - to the point where I actually read the credits at the end to see how many of the actors were Jewish! Although Judaism is supposed' to be a lot of things (i.e., the man is 'encouraged' to see to his wife's pleasure), it is in fact quite often the opposite. As is often said, the religion is fine, it's the people who leave a lot to be desired. And that came across so clearly in this film. Sonia was ostracised for not conforming (yup, that sounds about right), her husband was so 'devout' (a tzadik) he was ashamed of his - and her - sexuality that he tried to repress it (yep, right again), the yentas (busy boddies) in the community had a lot to say (um hmmm) - absolutely everything about the movie was so spot on it was eerie - even down to the Yiddish-isms, accents and dress.

It brought back a lot of unpleasant memories...but that is only a testament to how authentic the film really was. In terms of storyline, content, acting, music - I thought it was excellent, hence the 10* rating.

An ode to unconformity, the all-time human right to be different. The heroine Sonia is a member of an apparently highly traditional Jewish society. Traditional values and ethics are an every-day practice, the 'law' everyone lives by and to which everyone abides without questioning. Hence a break from the norm is considered high treason. However Sonia finds it difficult to conform. Although a fierce battle rages inside her, she has to live with her identity and consider the people she loves before trying to free herself from rules and commitments.

A moving film about religious fanatism (and not against Jewry) and emancipation with convincing actresses and actors. Very recommendable!

Well, I switched on the television late one night, and came across this movie. It was just starting, and being a Modern Orthodox Jew in the Diaspora it made me interested to watch it. I started and got really into the movie, later I was wrong -the whole movie was wrong.

Firstly, let me tell you that sexual intercourse is considered to be the Holiest Mitzvah, it is also a mitzvah for a man to satisfy his wife. I have been to Yeshiva and it was taught that a man is obliged to get married and to SATISFY HIS WIFE COMPLETELY. If it is the choice of studying the Torah or being with his partner, the choice is to satisfy the partner (of course). Why did the movie not point that one out?

Second: This is such an anti - religious movie. WHY? So, that the young Jewish women on verge for getting married will get scared away? And marry out?

Thirdly: The main character must have been really inconsiderate and immoral. A religious Jewish couple does NOT get married just for the sake's of getting married. The get married to satisfy their complete goals and potentials in live. Before the wedding the two people sit down and talk about what they want? What goals would they want to reach? and if they are heading down the same path!

Last, why does nobody ever show Judaism in all it's glory and passion and livelihood as it should be? Why is it always bad? We get shown rocks being thrown at cars in Mea'Shearim, but the commentators forget to tell us that it is Shabbat.

I disliked this movie very much. If all Jewish marriages are like that, then why is there such a small divorce rate? Why do people love each other and are inseparable? While, in the Western Society why are the break - ups of people so high? The suicide? The crime? Why is there so much disgust in the world we live in now?