Movie Review

Are you looking for a Friday Night Date Movie? Are you a Netflix member? Right now, in their "Watch Instantly" section is a delightful movie called Arranged.

When Rochel and Nasira-- an Orthodox Jew and a Muslim, respectively -- meet as new teachers at a Brooklyn school, co-workers and students expect friction. But the women discover they have a shared expectation of entering into arranged marriages. As they experience tension between their traditional cultures and life in contemporary America, Rochel and Nasira form a special bond.

I am not quite sure what we watched that prompted Netflix to recommend this movie to us but I am glad they did. As a Catholic who has rediscovered many of the traditions of her faith, this movie spoke to me. I thought it was extremely well acted and very well done for an independent film on a low budget that was shot in 17 days.

Anyway, your husband might balk at this very obvious "indie chick flick", but mine enjoyed it. He especially liked the conversation about men who have older sisters making the best husbands! I liked the messages this movie sent not just about friendship but mostly about holding onto your traditions even though the world around you sees them as old fashioned and out dated. Both women are seeking and praying to do God's will even though it is difficult and they are tempted to despair. These women are ridiculed for being weak and dominated by their fathers and their faith but in the end, they are rewarded with fulfilling marriages and loving husbands who appreciate them for their strength of faith. Those who wanted to empower them don't see how truly liberated they are.