Critics & message board participants have been very hard on this film, but it deserves a look. It starts out feeling derivative, but gains its warmth from its genuine affection for Hasidic traditions -- immeasurably aided by the soundtrack (by Jerry Bock, composer of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF).
Griffith is touching as the undercover "police-person" working overtime to protect her shell -- it's precisely because she looks and sounds so soft that her attempts to act hard work. Just like in WORKING GIRL, she's determined to defy the way we all (audience members as well as fellow characters) stereotype her, in order to be taken seriously & on her own terms. You go, girl!
Griffith is touching as the undercover "police-person" working overtime to protect her shell -- it's precisely because she looks and sounds so soft that her attempts to act hard work. Just like in WORKING GIRL, she's determined to defy the way we all (audience members as well as fellow characters) stereotype her, in order to be taken seriously & on her own terms. You go, girl!