As an insider to the Chassidic world (the very religious Jews portrayed in this movie) I would have to say, it is not always accurate. But if you are curious about the general idea of the orthodox lifestyle, this will give you a place to start. I guess my biggest problem (besides inflating the "romance" from the book into something that would NEVER happen in an Orthodox home) is in the details shown of Jewish life. Does ANYONE see the Mezuzot they are only sometimes touching as they pass through doorways? Danny actually Hugged his mother in front of an outsider! The poor sister being actually touched by a boy (a HUGE unreality), all these things show a life not actually lived by Chassidic Jews.
Another thing to consider-in the book, Danny is finding himself. In the movie, he is rebelling. Why does this need to be? As he told his Father (at least in the book) that he would keep the Commandments, it does not seem to be this way in the movie, with him kissing girls and running out to the movies. Oi Vey!
The acting is OK, the screenplay (if you've never read the book) is OK, the directing is dreadful, and the general quality of the movie was merely passable. But, you should probably still see this movie, but then go watch "A Life Apart" a documentary of Chassidic Jews in America to get the non-Hollywood version of their lives.
Another thing to consider-in the book, Danny is finding himself. In the movie, he is rebelling. Why does this need to be? As he told his Father (at least in the book) that he would keep the Commandments, it does not seem to be this way in the movie, with him kissing girls and running out to the movies. Oi Vey!
The acting is OK, the screenplay (if you've never read the book) is OK, the directing is dreadful, and the general quality of the movie was merely passable. But, you should probably still see this movie, but then go watch "A Life Apart" a documentary of Chassidic Jews in America to get the non-Hollywood version of their lives.