I have been waiting to see this film ever since I saw it on Ardant's profile two years ago--and let me assure you, it was well worth the wait!
Noemi and Michal befriend the terminally-ill Anouk, who seeks their help in finding the "secret" to ending God's wrath against Anouk. But this seemingly meek outcast has several "secrets" of her own--secrets that have Noemi questioning her reasons for seeking help. When the seminary discovers this odd relationship, Noemi and Michal are forbidden to help Anouk's quest for salvation. Will the girls do as they are told, and follow the rules established by society? Or will they do what they know to be right, even if it is deemed "wrong" by everyone else?
Nesher does an excellent job of directing this film and bringing out the absolute best in each actress. Ania Bukstein gives a compelling performance as Noemi, a young woman torn between the traditional ideas of her family and the radical desires of her heart. Bukstein blew me away with her emotional intensity--she depicts Noemi as repentant, albeit headstrong, walking a fine line between piety and blasphemy. She should have won every award Israel had to offer for this role! With such a strong actress, an equally strong costar is needed--and Nesher was spot-on in choosing Michal Shtamler as the willful yet soulful Michal/Michelle. Shtamler, who apparently learned her French lines phonetically (although she could've fooled me, and I'm a French major!), gives a break-out performance that is equally stunning. And of course we cannot forget Fanny Ardant, the Crown Jewel of French Cinema. As usual, Ardant plays her role to perfection--she is absolutely mesmerizing. As Anouk, the tragic-muse-turned-murderer, Ardant captivates the audience with her frailty and honesty--all while weaving a web of mystery that leaves you wondering who exactly this woman is. Another great performance to add to her already-stunning resume.
I have only highlighted the main story line--Nesher, however, weaves in multiple tales to create this cinematic masterpiece. The rest of the cast also give great performances, creating unforgettable characters and breathing life into the already great script. The film is a beautifully executed portrait of the battle between mainstream society and free will, and what happens when the two come into conflict.
Noemi and Michal befriend the terminally-ill Anouk, who seeks their help in finding the "secret" to ending God's wrath against Anouk. But this seemingly meek outcast has several "secrets" of her own--secrets that have Noemi questioning her reasons for seeking help. When the seminary discovers this odd relationship, Noemi and Michal are forbidden to help Anouk's quest for salvation. Will the girls do as they are told, and follow the rules established by society? Or will they do what they know to be right, even if it is deemed "wrong" by everyone else?
Nesher does an excellent job of directing this film and bringing out the absolute best in each actress. Ania Bukstein gives a compelling performance as Noemi, a young woman torn between the traditional ideas of her family and the radical desires of her heart. Bukstein blew me away with her emotional intensity--she depicts Noemi as repentant, albeit headstrong, walking a fine line between piety and blasphemy. She should have won every award Israel had to offer for this role! With such a strong actress, an equally strong costar is needed--and Nesher was spot-on in choosing Michal Shtamler as the willful yet soulful Michal/Michelle. Shtamler, who apparently learned her French lines phonetically (although she could've fooled me, and I'm a French major!), gives a break-out performance that is equally stunning. And of course we cannot forget Fanny Ardant, the Crown Jewel of French Cinema. As usual, Ardant plays her role to perfection--she is absolutely mesmerizing. As Anouk, the tragic-muse-turned-murderer, Ardant captivates the audience with her frailty and honesty--all while weaving a web of mystery that leaves you wondering who exactly this woman is. Another great performance to add to her already-stunning resume.
I have only highlighted the main story line--Nesher, however, weaves in multiple tales to create this cinematic masterpiece. The rest of the cast also give great performances, creating unforgettable characters and breathing life into the already great script. The film is a beautifully executed portrait of the battle between mainstream society and free will, and what happens when the two come into conflict.