Arranged (2007) Reviews

Arranged (2007)
Member Rating:  
Two women whose peoples are often at odds find they're more alike than anyone expects in this drama from directors Stefan C. Schaefer and Diane Crespo. Rochel (Zoe Lister-Jones) and Nasira (Francis Benhamou) are two young women who have begun teaching at a public grade school in Brooklyn, NY. Rochel is an Orthodox Jew and Nasira is a Muslim of Pakistani descent, and the students and the administrators at the school are concerned there might be friction between the two teachers. However, over the course of their first year of teaching, Rochel and Nasira discover they have far more in common than they imagined -- both sometimes find themselves culturally out of place in 21st century New York, and both are trying to live within the traditions of their faith while struggling with their own feelings. In particular, Rochel and Nasira bond over the fact both are expected to enter into arranged marriages, Nasira with a wary optimism and Rochel with a great deal of trepidation. Arranged was screened in competition at the 2007 South by Southwest Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

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Starring:
Zoe Lister-JonesFrancis Benhamou, (more)
Director(s):
Diane CrespoStefan Schaefer, (more)
Format(s):
DVD,  (View All Versions)
 

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Average Ratings

(26 member reviews)  


Member Reviews


Chris H.

the best movie i can remember ever seeing, and i have watched many! i felt this movie really captured the humanity and love present in both faiths-jewish orthodox and muslim, and the virtue of spiritual women in a modern world. it was nice to see a movie enriched in culture that did not villianize those with strong convictions and traditions, but appreciated and honored them. of course, the actors were amazing in their roles, the film was beautiful shot, and the storyline was fluid and realistic. this is my new favorite movie, and i want to share it with the world! there can be peace between God's children!

Yes   |   No


Michelle R.

Beautiful story and beautifully acted. I loved it! Really opens your eyes to stereotypes and other cultures. Highly recommend to ALL women, regardless of age or race. WONDERFUL!!!

Yes   |   No


Thomas W.

I recommend this film if you're looking for something that opens the window on what is possible in American, specifically in New York - a friendship between traditional women, who choose to remain true to their faiths, but also manage to live within a modern, fast-paced, often insensitive and uncaring city. It's a funny film, a touching film, an amazingly acted film. Zoe Lister-Jones as the Orthodox religions Rochel had me captivated from start to finish. And Francis Benhamou as the Muslim woman brings such warmth and humor to what could have been a really cliche, after-school special type film. I recommend this film highly!

Yes   |   No


Chenta L.

i recently saw this film in New York and loved it. great acting, great story, well-written screenplay. i especially liked that it dealt with the issues of interfaith friendship - between Muslims and Jews - with a very soft touch. not heavy-handed or didactic at all. really a wonderful independent film. i highly recommend it and predict the leads - zoe lister-jones and francis benhamou - will be well known stars within five years! rent it.

Yes   |   No


Andrea P.

I loved this highly interesting film of interfaith friendship and religious tradition. The two leads are such natural actresses and their roles captivated me from the start. In fact, the colorful cast of characters are all played to wonderful effect. The storyline and emotions conveyed by the families seem so real, and scenes are imbued with casual humor and just the right amount of conflict. The insensitivity shown by the well-meaning school principal to the traditions of the religiously observant teachers is an excellent counterpoint to the growing friendship between the two women, and it is lovely to see the friends stand strong for what they believe in, as their bonds, borne of very similar circu*mstances, grow. One of the best films I've seen this year.

Yes   |   No


Margaret K.

a wonderful film with pure and simple acting. deals with real life issues in an artistic fashion. very satisfying . it is possible for people to go beyond the stereotypes set up by society. a little bit of insight and intelligence/education go a long way towards achieving tolerance and understanding. both actresses are stunning to look at; their personalities/characters are equally so!

Yes   |   No


Keith M.

This was a warm, but not mushy, movie and a great insider look at what it takes to be different in a "not so tolerant" PC society. Wonderful message and wonderful actors! You must see this movie!

Yes   |   No


Courtney J.

"New York Sun" Review: "Arranged" is that rare thing: a low-budget, mainstream American independent film that sets realistic dramatic goals and attains them with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of charm. Countless movies have taken a crack at New York-style courtship. But "Arranged" maps the parallel journeys taken by Rochel and Nasira to two very different altars with unusual sensitivity and insight. by BRUCE BENNETT

Yes   |   No


Paula G.

This is the kind of story that promotes understanding, and demonstrates that the things we have in common are greater than what divides us. Charming performances, and a hopeful message.

Yes   |   No


Susan F.

This was a very well executed film. Solid acting, direction, and story. Handles controversial topics without being didactic. The fairly tale ending felt a little contrived and threw off what was otherwise a well-balanced story.

Yes   |   No


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Member Reviews (26)

 
Chris H.

the best movie i can remember ever seeing, and i have watched many! i felt this movie really captured the humanity and love present in both faiths-jewish orthodox and muslim, and the virtue of spiritual women in a modern world. it was nice to see a movie enriched in culture that did not villianize those with strong convictions and traditions, but appreciated and honored them. of course, the actors were amazing in their roles, the film was beautiful shot, and the storyline was fluid and realistic. this is my new favorite movie, and i want to share it with the world! there can be peace between God's children!

Yes   |   No

 
Michelle R.

Beautiful story and beautifully acted. I loved it! Really opens your eyes to stereotypes and other cultures. Highly recommend to ALL women, regardless of age or race. WONDERFUL!!!

Yes   |   No

 
Thomas W.

I recommend this film if you're looking for something that opens the window on what is possible in American, specifically in New York - a friendship between traditional women, who choose to remain true to their faiths, but also manage to live within a modern, fast-paced, often insensitive and uncaring city. It's a funny film, a touching film, an amazingly acted film. Zoe Lister-Jones as the Orthodox religions Rochel had me captivated from start to finish. And Francis Benhamou as the Muslim woman brings such warmth and humor to what could have been a really cliche, after-school special type film. I recommend this film highly!

Yes   |   No

 
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