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Reviews
Unorthodox (2020)
Unorthodox
I watched Unorthodox, a series on Netflix (Eng./Yiddish audio w Eng. Subs), just by chance. It's a brilliant production about a young woman who is driven by circumstances to break free from repression. The series claims to be loosely based on Deborah Feldman's autobiography Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots.
The narration is not judgmental, cut and dried, black or white, but portrays every subtle shade of grey.
The plot is set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY and in Berlin, Germany. Esther - Esty (Shira Haas) is brought up by her loving grandmother Babby (Dina Doron) as a typical Hassidic Jewish female in Williamsburg after her mother Leah (Alex Reid) runs away from their ultra orthodox family. Esty loves music which is frowned upon for Hassidic women who are expected to marry early and produce many kids. Esther sings opera at home along with the radio, surreptitiously taking piano lessons from a non Jewish music teacher who is her grandfather's defaulting tenant.
As Esty turns 17, a marriage is arranged for her to Yanky Shapiro (Amit Rahav) a suitable match from their close knit Hassidic community. Yanky and Esty seem to like each other and eagerly await their nuptials. The wedding preparations are beautifully shown, especially the seemingly regressive tradition of shaving the bride's head when Esty can not hold back her tears .. from now on like all married Hassidic women, Esty must remain bald and wear a wig in public, just as Hassidic male adults sport ringlets. Cult rules dictate every aspect of life including reproduction; Esty is expected to become pregnant within a month. But due to Esty experiencing extreme pain and Yanky not forcing himself upon her, nothing takes place between the couple for a year. By this time the couple are fond of each other but Esty is miserably unhappy as her m-i-l and others in the community pass caustic remarks at her inability to become pregnant. Yanky egged on by his mother, declares that he will divorce Esty and remarry someone who will bear his children. This is the last straw for Esty who decides to leave Yanky and escape her repressive community. Flashback shows Esty's mother leaving official documents with her daughter that will give her German citizenship should she ever want it. Aided by the piano teacher, Esty runs away and takes a flight to Berlin where she goes to her mother's apartment block, but nobody answers the bell. Roaming around for awhile Esty is taken aback to see her mother with her female partner. Esty roams further and finds herself outside a music conservatory where a session is about to commence. Esty goes in to listen, ends up making friends with a cheerful group of young music students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
Yanky discovering that his wife has left him, informs his family and their chief Rabbi who is determined that Esty should be found and brought back to save the community's reputation. Yanky is sent with his dubious cousin Moishe to find her.
No more Spoilers, watch to see how it all pans out.
The plot is non judgmental, the characters arent shown as good or bad, they're just different, some are conditioned to behave as per the dictum of their ultra orthodox cult society ... not unusual to see in India too with its several ultra orthodox communities and cults of Hindus and Jains and Muslims too. I learnt a lot about the Hassidic Jews of NY, but this isnt just about them, its about human beings and human nature and human feelings, no matter who or what you may be.
Brilliantly made series, excellent acting by all.
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016)
Gilmore girls
I loved Gilmore girls and i kinda saw Rory Gilmore as an idol. It faces both sides of reality good and bad. You one can recall "circle of life". The journey of a life will be different for different people but it will all lead you to the same destination. The character of 16 year old Rory Gilmore had dreams like many of us do and we want to stick with it throughout our life. We try and try but it is not like we all gonna get it. I think life isn't easy now a days and that what 32 year old Rory Gilmore taught us. But there is one thing one can hold onto that You are never going to loose that bond, neither to your family nor to your passion. Lorelei on the other hand thought that she had messed up when she was 16 but who knew if she wasn't pregnant back then what she would have become (she still could have become great women but not by her own or who knows). It made me feel great that Emily found THAT ONE MAID,god bless her. I think even if Rory's pregnant she will do just fine like her mother. Love you Gilmore girls.
Las chicas del cable (2017)
Cable
Amazing show! It gives context and visualizes the lives of women in Spain during the 1920's, during a time when women were only seen as housewives and second class citizens. This show beautifully depicts the challenges that women may have faced, during that time nearly all over the world and even now. It reminds you that these types of ideals about us women are still out there and that with courage and boldness we can change the world to better. The overall cinematography and look as brilliant. Viewers can relate to different moments in Marga, Lidia, Carlota, Angeles, and Oscars life, such as having trouble with love or the thoughts of being free from stigma and other societal issues. I highly recommend this show, its brilliant and it sets the stage to remind us that anything can change.
Gilmore Girls (2000)
Gilmore girls
I never get tired of watching this show over and over again. Congratulations to the amazing team who have made this program possible. You all deserve an awards for touching everyone lives. I never felt so connected with the characters in any shows or movie. My appreciation to Lorelai, Rory, Emily, Richard, Luke, Lane,Paris,Doyle, April,Sookie, Jackson, Michel,Babette,Miss Patty,Gypsy,Kirk, Taylor ,Jess, Dean & rest of the characters, made me want to live in Stars Hollow (to experience a down-to-earth community, where there is support-system,humility, scrutiny, appreciation, criticism, adventure,devotion, respect, camaraderie, self-worth with mild-hypocrisy & above all.... LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES).
All characters are well-portrayed by the actors and actresses of this show,never a dull moment shown...everyone's thoughtful, endearing , warm, interactive ,funny and very concerned with each other, unfortunately nowadays,we cannot find these basic qualities of humanity...anymore :(
I AM TRULY GRATEFUL FOR THIS SHOW. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.