Arranged2007

Rochel, an Orthodox Jew, and Nasira, a devout Muslim, are two teachers at a Brooklyn elementary school who become close friends. Both are facing attempts by their respective families to arrange their marriages according to each individual’s respective religious customs. The situation is made more complex by virtue of the fact that both women are strong willed individuals, and, along with the arranged marriage issue, also face together the conflict of social prejudices from people within each of their ethnic backgrounds in conjunction with their close friendship and association. Rochel is the more rebellious of the two, chafing at the bit when her parents engage her in the Orthodox Jewish ritual of matchmaking while Nasira is a bit more accepting of her religion’s marriage customs. The film subsequently develops into an amazing and charming dissection of their experiences both as friends and as members of two quite different cultural and religious backgrounds. The actresses who play Rochel and Nasira are outstanding and give the film the necessary impetus to fully engage the viewer and achieve acceptance of what eventually leads into a happy ending for both women.

Terrific film! It was nice to see a film about conflicts and religion that don't automatically involve the protagonist having to reject their traditional values but rather working within that system to get where they need to be.

This is a "feel good" movie that is well acted and well crafted. It pulls at one's "heart strings" and it is quite obvious in what it is doing but, none the less, it is a pleasant trip while one is pulled along to the conclusion. Sometimes one just wants to see something simple with a "message" so clearly stated one need not even think. A great film to see with a bunch of (female) friends or with one's mother.

Need to watch especially today.

So so good.

This is an exceptional movie! The characters are strong women within devout and insular faith traditions. The actors capture the cultures, emotions, and faiths without caricaturing their strong ethnic and religious traditions. The lead actresses are amazing. I highly recommend this movie.

unique and teaches tolerenceP

Loved the movie, but wish it was this easy in real life...

This was a wonderful movie. We have two daughters, both married to good men. This reminded me of it all. I hope others will enjoy this movie too, as much as I did.