Review Arranged

Arranged is one of those sweet movies that I just can't say enough good about.

A friend recommended this movie to me, and she had it Tivo'ed, so we were able to watch it. She said she liked it as well the second time. I've since ordered my own copy.

The story centers around two young women, one is an Orthodox Jew and the other is Muslim. They work in the same school and become friends. Both women are good, in the best possible way, and do not walk the path of other women teaching in their school. They both revere God in their own ways.

They soon find they have something else in common -- their fathers are arranging marriages for them. In some ways the suitors are similar to the suitors in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Each one is worse than the other, but fortunately the girls have a say in it. The Jewish matchmaker is doing her best, but it isn't very good.

The principal is overbearing and rude, trying to change them both.

But the young women are magnificent. So are their fathers, mothers, grandmother, etc.

Both families are portrayed with love and the (arranged) marriages of the parents seem to be happy. The Muslim mother is in her daughter's favor. The Jewish mother is more of a caricature.

The ending is a double delight. Triple, when you count the epilogue. There is a happy surprise in the first ending. Watch the way the Muslim girl changes the way she wraps her scarf. That's all I'm saying about that!

There were some slight errors in the film, but hopefully it will not detract from your enjoyment of it. It is rare to see religion portrayed kindly.

Sometimes I think a matchmaker might be a very good thing!

Have you seen this movie?
This is a movie I think you could enjoy again and again, finding new things in each screening. It strengthens your own faith, which is not a bad thing.

Karin

Related posts:

1. A woman to admire I had never heard of Leymah Gbowee until recently. She is a Christian from Liberia. Never let it be said that one person cannot accomplish...
2. Review: My life in ruins (movie) Bookgirl and I went to this movie last night. It's amazing how bad a critic can make a movie sound. It got zero stars in...