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The Secrets (2007)

The Secrets (2007)
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Within the Orthodox Jewish Community, the attitudes toward females have remained virtually unchanged for 2,000 years. In this religious-themed drama, accomplished Israeli filmmaker Avi Nesher explores the complications that arise when the relationships between a group of women residing in a midrasha (all female seminary) in Safed turn suddenly volatile. Every girl has a different motivation for enrolling in the midrasha: for Naomi (Ania Bukstein) enrollment in the seminary meant avoiding a marriage that she didn't want, and for the rebellious Michelle (Michal Shtamler) it was simply an effective means for her parents to keep her out of serious trouble. Unlikely allies at first, Naomi and Michelle soon forge a powerful bond that is later threatened by the ailing Anouk (Fanny Ardant). Anouk is a much older woman who has come to Safed in search of redemption. Despite her outward sincerity, however, Anouk is quickly turned away by the powers that be. Realizing that the brilliant Naomi can certainly find the kabbalistic texts that could restore Anouk's purity, compassionate Michelle volunteers her scholarly friend to help the desperate woman in her time of need. While her initial hesitation is soon compounded by the fact that the head mistress forbids both students from any further contact with the mysterious Anouk, Naomi selflessly vows to expunge the sins of Anouk's past even if it means putting her own future at risk. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Starring:
Fanny ArdantAnia Bukstein, (more)
Director(s):
Avi Nesher
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of The Secrets

Within the Orthodox Jewish Community, the attitudes toward females have remained virtually unchanged for 2,000 years. In this religious-themed drama, accomplished Israeli filmmaker Avi Nesher explores the complications that arise when the relationships between a group of women residing in a midrasha (all female seminary) in Safed turn suddenly volatile. Every girl has a different motivation for enrolling in the midrasha: for Naomi (Ania Bukstein) enrollment in the seminary meant avoiding a marriage that she didn't want, and for the rebellious Michelle (Michal Shtamler) it was simply an effective means for her parents to keep her out of serious trouble. Unlikely allies at first, Naomi and Michelle soon forge a powerful bond that is later threatened by the ailing Anouk (Fanny Ardant). Anouk is a much older woman who has come to Safed in search of redemption. Despite her outward sincerity, however, Anouk is quickly turned away by the powers that be. Realizing that the brilliant Naomi can certainly find the kabbalistic texts that could restore Anouk's purity, compassionate Michelle volunteers her scholarly friend to help the desperate woman in her time of need. While her initial hesitation is soon compounded by the fact that the head mistress forbids both students from any further contact with the mysterious Anouk, Naomi selflessly vows to expunge the sins of Anouk's past even if it means putting her own future at risk. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
127 mins

Complete Cast of The Secrets


Director(s):
Avi Nesher
Writer(s):
Avi NesherHadar Galron
Producer(s):
Avi NesherDavid Silber
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Categories:
ForeignIndependent Films
The Secrets Awards:
  • 2008 - Jackson Hole Film Festival - Best Feature
  • 2008 - Jackson Hole Film Festival - Best Screenwriter
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
John W.

I really enjoyed this movie. It was a realistic and compassionale portrayal of human beings living in a strict and rigid religious/cultural environment and how these influences skew their sense of who they are, who others are, and their moral sense. The movie poses the question of how one can be true to one's own sense of justice and compassion while living within the boundaries of orthodoxy, Jewish or otherwise. Cast was superb, very well acted.

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Robert S.

Two women meet at a seminary, where they assist a convicted murderer with repentance and also develop a relationship, both of which are forbidden at the conservative institution. The film is effective at portraying the stifling values of a traditional religious institution, and the difficulty that the women have in resisting their attraction to each other.

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Lorna J.

Am incredibly powerful movie. Fascinating and very intense within the complexities of the Orthodox Jewish Community and the young female seminarians. The unusually strong bond between Noami and Michelle and the woman they try to help creates many complications and makes a fascinating story.

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