David & Layla

Shiva Rose as 'Layla' gives the best performance in this surprisingly delightful and enlightening mixed-genre 'romance, comedy, drama.' Against the continuing wars in the complex Middle East, this is a timely comedy of a Jewish Muslim romance evidently inspired by a true story. Shiva plays the innocent young Kurdish 'village princess.' A recent refugee in Brooklyn (New York), Layla is a war survivor. Millions of refugees uprooted from their homelands will identify with Layla's predicament trying to keep her culture while adjusting to a new life in the West. Layla refuses to play a victim. Instead, with enchanting oriental femininity, she dances in a night club- secretly from her conservative folks who think she's attending nursing school. Layla brings a welcome touch of grace and mystery to the zany shenanigans of this multi-layered story with political undertones. She quickly became my emotional anchor amid the farcical religious and political quid pro quos of prejudices and stereotypes. No wonder Layla becomes the object of David's mad desire! The arousing desire for the 'unobtainable" drives this film's fast-paced plot from its captivating opening sequence – setting up Manhattan and the two opposing sides across the Brooklyn bridge - to its unusual happy ending. Layla with her long "night black hair" –as the singer in the club describes her- dances sensually with her bracelet clad arms while fully dressed down to her bare feet. What a contrast to David's wealthy Manhattan fiancée, the pretty, smart, kick-boxing, fast Abby, played convincingly by Callie Thorne!? Poetic Layla embodies the modesty and the entrancing femininity of the oppressed women of many parts of Asia and the Islamic world. She expresses with dignity the tragic history of her people; and she subtly introduces David and us to glimpses of the rich, suppressed culture of her homeland. Look for the quaint Kurdish wedding with its amazing colorful costumes, food and exuberant music- and surprise baklava stirring the Jewish side to join in to dance to Hava Nagila! Throughout the film, the mélange of colors and authentic Middle Eastern, Kurdish, Jewish Klezmer, and Jazz music are used to tell the story: East and West clash then gradually reconcile. By the way: Where had Shiva Rose been hiding before her wonderful lead in this film? She's got quite a career coming to her!

I saw a screening of this film at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. The film was a refreshing deviance from a lot of the more heavy handed political films out there. David and Layla succeeds in capturing a new type of emotion indicative of both lead characters and their lifestyles which are ethnically diverse but similar in that they share this common bond of living in an American city where one can stay true to their roots but be free spirited as well. The film was an entertaining experience containing many truths. Jonroy skillfully manages to blend love, politics and comedy whilst keeping the overall theme grounded in reality. Additionally, one should not miss the stand out performances of Ed Chemaly and Will Janowitz.

A modern tale for the ages. Told with genuine tenderness and respect for both sides of the coin, "David & Layla" is the love story of a Muslim woman and a Jewish man. Peppered with interesting historical tidbits of information and unexpected laughs, the movie's strength lies in the fact that Jonroy has a healthy respect for his characters and never takes a side other than basically saying "Forget all the petty nonsense in the world. All you need is love.". Moreover, Jonroy never condescends; everyone and their relative perspectives are treated with equal respect (no small feat, considering the subject matter!). The writing, directing and acting are superb. If you want a break from the usual Hollywood dreck, go see this movie. It's a welcomed breath of fresh air.

I thought David and Leyla was a sweet and funny film depicting real life romance. In today's ever increasing cross cultural world this film supports divergent points of views in religion, family dynamics, sexuality and many other important issues affecting today's modern society. Very good acting from all the cast members. Congratulations on a film well done. At times the movie took too long to get to the substance of a particular scene. But, for the most part the flow of the film was good and it kept me, the audience, entertained. I would recommend this movie to friends and family and would enjoy seeing more movies on the screen depicting multi-cultural unions.

This film was a perfect combination of love and politics. Not an overload of either kept the story moving and interesting. The tension between David's family painted a picture of Jewish life in America. Layla tries to hold on to her roots in a new country. Both gracefully accept their plight and fight to be together. This is more than a story of lovers who can't be together. Arguments of whose people have been through more surface throughout the film. Everyone can relate to the feeling of having to prove and deal with suffering. Food mixes the story up, showing the effects of what we eat and how we love. It seems a spicy diet is best for romance, which in turn leads to overall happiness. If politicians ate more spice perhaps they wouldn't be so bitter. We can only hope this catches on! Layla was outstanding; beautiful and captivating. The characters were all intelligent and funny. A quick pace kept the film hilarious and informative. This is the kind of movie you take everyone to see.