First off, despite my gripes I truly enjoyed this film. With that said I had to suspend belief and accept the fact that Rochel and Nasira, Jewish and Moslem elementary school teachers, had the luck of the Irish! Second, let's get this so-called 'comedy' thing out of the way. IMDb's key words makes no mention of comedy, Rotten Tomatoes ID's the film as a drama and I agree with both. Serious drama is the name of the game given the film's themes of orthodox, tradition laden Jewish and Moslem families, the desire of two young women to honor these traditions and their angst to the core at the prospect that one common tradition, arranged marriages, may force them to enter dreaded loveless unions. And yes, like many dramas there are a few light moments along the way.
As a culture clash friendship between the women blossoms in the workplace it becomes clear that both women would like to re-define 'arranged' so that it insures they will find and marry 'Mr. Rights.' To be sure, fine script and acting plus excellent chemistry between these new friends abounds..
My major gripe is the 'luck of the Irish' component. In astounding fashion, given the heavy themes, Rochel and Nasira catch every unlikely 'break' possible throughout the film. Father wants Nasira to marry his very old looking friend who is literally 20+ years her senior .....she pleads with mom to 'stop it' and steeped in tradition Moslem dad instantly caves in. I don't think so.
Rochel catches similar breaks. After suffering through a parade of hideous men, losers all, she revolts and announces she is taking a break from matchmaking. Her overbearing mother first forbids this and just as suddenly caves in and tells the matchmaker her daughter in on break. I don't think so.
By chance Rochel spies a orthodox Jewish 'hunk.' She will catch a very unrealistic, albeit humorous, break that will enable her to see him again. Nasira will catch the best of all breaks in her effort to marry for love within the strict family arranged marriage system.
The weakness of the script lies in its lack of serious dramatic plot developments and it's 'moral' conclusion to wit: Don't worry, be happy, put angst aside cause arranged marriages can be FUN.
As a culture clash friendship between the women blossoms in the workplace it becomes clear that both women would like to re-define 'arranged' so that it insures they will find and marry 'Mr. Rights.' To be sure, fine script and acting plus excellent chemistry between these new friends abounds..
My major gripe is the 'luck of the Irish' component. In astounding fashion, given the heavy themes, Rochel and Nasira catch every unlikely 'break' possible throughout the film. Father wants Nasira to marry his very old looking friend who is literally 20+ years her senior .....she pleads with mom to 'stop it' and steeped in tradition Moslem dad instantly caves in. I don't think so.
Rochel catches similar breaks. After suffering through a parade of hideous men, losers all, she revolts and announces she is taking a break from matchmaking. Her overbearing mother first forbids this and just as suddenly caves in and tells the matchmaker her daughter in on break. I don't think so.
By chance Rochel spies a orthodox Jewish 'hunk.' She will catch a very unrealistic, albeit humorous, break that will enable her to see him again. Nasira will catch the best of all breaks in her effort to marry for love within the strict family arranged marriage system.
The weakness of the script lies in its lack of serious dramatic plot developments and it's 'moral' conclusion to wit: Don't worry, be happy, put angst aside cause arranged marriages can be FUN.