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Secrets (The)
- Director: Avi Nesher
- Writer: Hadar Galron; Avi Nesher
- Producer: Liat Benasuly; Leon Edery
CGiii Comment
Religious oppression, repression...and the consequent depression.
Religious interpretation...divisive and wholly derisive.
Religious frenzy, fervor...for the fanatics and feeble.
Such a meaty dish - unfortunately, what is served is a rather long and subdued starter...with no garnish.
No passion, no fire...rather lifeless.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
In The Secrets, two brilliant young women discover their own voices in a repressive orthodox culture where females are forbidden to sing, let alone speak out. Naomi, the studious, devoutly religious daughter of a prominent rabbi, convinces her father to postpone her marriage for a year so that she might study at a Jewish seminary for women in the ancient Kabalistic seat of Safed. Naomi's quest for individuality takes a defiant turn when she befriends Michelle, a free-spirited and equally headstrong fellow student. When the pair encounters a mysterious, ailing foreigner with a disturbing past named Anouk (the iconic French actress Fanny Ardant) they begin a risky journey into forbidden realms. In the hopes of easing her suffering, Naomi and Michelle secretly lead Anouk through a series of Kabalistic cleansing rituals.
Cast & Characters
Fanny Ardant as Anouk;
Ania Bukstein as Noemi;
Michal Shtamler as Michel;
Adir Miller as Yanki;
Guri Alfi as Michael;
Alma Zack as Racheli;
Tikva Dayan as Rabbinit;
Dana Ivgy as Sigi;
Talli Oren as Sheine;
Seffy Rivlin as Rabbi Hess;
Rivka Michaeli as Mrs. Meizlish