Disobedience
Bleecker Street Media | Release Date: April 27, 2018
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 94 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
66
Mixed:
20
Negative:
8
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9
MarcDoyleMay 12, 2018
What a beautiful film. Yes, it gets a little simplistic toward the third act, but the acting is stellar and carries it.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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8
AugustKellerJun 4, 2018
A tale of suppression, connection and liberation, Disobedience exudes respect in times of misunderstandings. Despite boiling with passion, Disobedience carries itself with stoic dignity through its measured scoring, direction andA tale of suppression, connection and liberation, Disobedience exudes respect in times of misunderstandings. Despite boiling with passion, Disobedience carries itself with stoic dignity through its measured scoring, direction and cinematography. The technical aspects of this film quietly maintain a traditional yet tense atmosphere as the cast is given room to express the depths of their skills. Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola all show off their range and ability to build layers within their characters; filled with moments of true vulnerability, the performances in this cast are nothing short of valiant.

Due to the restrained nature of Disobedience, there will be some who find the film lacking. This feeling could extend to the motivations of characters or the film’s muted style. However, it is precisely this reservation which gives Disobedience its real impact. Among other themes, this film’s message is about moving through conflict with honor and Disobedience leads by example. This movie may not fit everyone’s tastes but it holds universal wisdom that all could benefit from. Disobedience is mature film-making done with dignity.

Writing: 8/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 10/10
Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 8.0/10

Original Article: https://thefilmguys.blog/reviews/augusts-reviews/disobedience-2018/… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
rovinrosieJun 27, 2018
Disobedience is not a perfect movie, but the acting is so superb by all 3 leads (and also the small but pivotal role of the rav) that its failings are diminished. It is wonderful to see such naturalistic performances delivered. UnfortunateDisobedience is not a perfect movie, but the acting is so superb by all 3 leads (and also the small but pivotal role of the rav) that its failings are diminished. It is wonderful to see such naturalistic performances delivered. Unfortunate that the whole look of the film is so somber, but these actors shine very brightly. Of course, the sex scene gets alot of attention in the media, but the quiet scenes are also quite poignant and powerful. I venture to say that you could watch the entire movie with the mute on and it still would convey its truths. I truly feel that it was one of the best and most indelible movies I've seen this year and I've seen MANY.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
AlextheamazingRJun 28, 2018
Beautiful and Heartbreaking film. Disobedience is a movie that everybody can identify with it, when you feel lonely, depressed and hopeless and the only thing you want is being happy or find your dream but sadly is impossible and you feelBeautiful and Heartbreaking film. Disobedience is a movie that everybody can identify with it, when you feel lonely, depressed and hopeless and the only thing you want is being happy or find your dream but sadly is impossible and you feel dead inside, Disobedience show this ..honest and real . This production is totally deep and authentic that your heart is broken when you see it , everything is perfect : the acting, direction, cinematography, music, screenplay. Deserves to be seen 10/10 . Hopes for a 2 Movie, Thank You to Rachel Weisz, Sebastian L, Rachel Mcadams and all involved on bring this Masterpiece on this World, it's totally necessary.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
OrionsJun 29, 2018
Disobedience its a great film, its a realistic and human history so powerful and with great performances by the three main characters.The chemestry between both Rachels its so real. The movie its so diferent from regular movies its uses theDisobedience its a great film, its a realistic and human history so powerful and with great performances by the three main characters.The chemestry between both Rachels its so real. The movie its so diferent from regular movies its uses the face expresions to communicate and transmits feelings, the looks, the breathing, the nuances. Its a powerful history of love, to be free to love who you want to love. This movie deserves to be seen and also to get in the awards.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
addict-insaneMar 10, 2019
You see, this is what the SJW camp doesn't understand: I am neither female, nor gay, nor Jewish, yet this movie HAD me completely.

Here's how hard it had me: I take sleeping pills (Venezuelan refugee, please don't judge). Usually, if I stayYou see, this is what the SJW camp doesn't understand: I am neither female, nor gay, nor Jewish, yet this movie HAD me completely.

Here's how hard it had me: I take sleeping pills (Venezuelan refugee, please don't judge). Usually, if I stay up too late after taking my pills, the drowsiness will even affect my speech. Yet I started watching this after dinner and my pills and I couldn't freaking sleep! This movie would not let go of me until it was over. So gripping!

So take THAT, SJWs. Even though this movie wasn't "made for me" like Brie Larson says, it hooked up til the very last second. I'm giving it a 9 because it has slight rhythmic problems, but this is the kind of movie that takes an unrelenting, yet unprejudiced look at religious zeal, that an SJW wouldn't even dream of making. Please keep this type of cinema coming! It is desperately needed!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
GreatMartinMay 21, 2018
Watching "Disobedience" I remembered the report this morning about Pope Francis saying, among other things, "God made you like this and loves you like this. The Pope loves you like this and you have to be happy with who you are." (See theWatching "Disobedience" I remembered the report this morning about Pope Francis saying, among other things, "God made you like this and loves you like this. The Pope loves you like this and you have to be happy with who you are." (See the link below*) It is a movie about many things but mainly how being gay and religion interlocks along with how religion is also freedom. It is about the Torah talking about angels and beasts.

Ronit, the estranged daughter who left North London to live in New York returns home upon the death of her father, a rabbi who leads the Orthodox Jewish community while delivering the sermon about those angels and beasts.

She arrives at the home of cousin Dovid who looks like he will probably take over her father's position. He was a childhood friend of hers just like Esti, now married to Dovid, who had a secret affair with Ronit, until the latter's father caught them in bed one night which lead to Ronit running to New York where she has become a successful photographer.

Ronit has given up her Orthodox upbringing but can't give up being a Jew while Esti has married Dovid to be the good Jewish wife who wears a sheitel (wig) and teaches a class of Orthodox girls. Coming back home Ronit not only awakens the two women had for each other but it also brings up what they 'owe' religion and what religion 'owes' them if anything. In the middle is Dovid who loves his wife, wants to have the accepted Jewish family though his wife is having a problem with giving birth and feels protective of his cousin as the latter deals with rejection from most of the community except her fun-loving aunt (Bernice Stegers) who embraces her return even with her uncle (Alan Corduner) being remote.

There are a lot of subjects touched upon in "Disobedience" including religion, love, duty, freedom, choice, loss of a parent, ostracism among others which would make you think this would be a 'talky' movie but the lead actors can do more with silence and looks than words can. Talking about the actors both Rachel Weisz as Ronit and Rachel McAdams as Esti give excellent, very believable performances covering some of the mishaps of the director, Sebastion Lelio and screenwriters Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz. I was particularly surprised by the performance of Alessandro Nivola as Dovid as I don't remember ever hearing of or seeing him before. I just looked his credits up and he has done a lot of theatre, movies and television. He has instantly become an actor whose future movies I will definitely see.

There are many Jewish rituals and words that many in the audience won't understand, including me, but none are necessary to the triangle we are watching and there are many different triangles between people, beliefs and thoughts. The film has an 'open ending' which has you thinking as you leave the theatre.

"Disobedience" is a movie about family, love, religion and how each affects us as individuals. It takes some thought as a viewer and it did bring me to tears at one point (but then I have been known to cry at Minnie & Mickey Mouse movies) plus if you are not familiar with Alessandro Nivola that would be reason enough to see it.


* https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/world/pope-francis-tells-gay-man-god-made-you-like-this/ar-AAxyXr3… Expand
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8
GinaKMay 30, 2018
Although “Disobedience” is a very quiet film, it is very powerful, full of deep feeling below the surface. Rachel Weisz plays a New York photographer named Ronit who returns to the closed religious community in London where she grew up,Although “Disobedience” is a very quiet film, it is very powerful, full of deep feeling below the surface. Rachel Weisz plays a New York photographer named Ronit who returns to the closed religious community in London where she grew up, summoned back by Esti (Rachel McAdams) who tells her of her father's death. Esti and Ronit are deeply in love, but Ronit chose to leave while Esti stayed behind and married into the community. None of the performances are showy or hyper-emotional, but absolutely convincing and deeply moving (including the one by Alessandro Nivola who plays Esti’s husband), making the film more interesting and intense. If you are the kind of person who has the ability to sit through an emotionally intense human drama like this, you will be deeply rewarded by the experience.… Expand
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7
moviemitch96May 19, 2018
It doesn't really bring a whole lot new to the table in terms of same sex/forbidden romance films, but it does still have plenty of touching and all around well acted moments throughout. Weisz and McAdams both give tender and honestIt doesn't really bring a whole lot new to the table in terms of same sex/forbidden romance films, but it does still have plenty of touching and all around well acted moments throughout. Weisz and McAdams both give tender and honest performances, while even Alessandro Nivola delivers a worthwhile performance alongside them as well. Overall, it's told rather simply and feels a little been there, done that, but it's the performances that make it worthwhile in the end.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Brent_MarchantMay 19, 2018
Where this alternative love story is concerned, the message is a valid one, but the execution is a bit off. Despite fine performances, the film gets tripped up somewhat on its pacing and direction, meandering too much for its own good. A lessWhere this alternative love story is concerned, the message is a valid one, but the execution is a bit off. Despite fine performances, the film gets tripped up somewhat on its pacing and direction, meandering too much for its own good. A less cluttered, more succinct approach would have made this one work better. Not bad, but not outstanding, either.… Expand
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8
John935Sep 11, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Chilean director filmed mostly in London his 1st English-language film. Some critics have said the ending is vague. True. Also there are no flashbacks. We know the 3 main characters were friends, the 2 girls had a sexual encounter and the Rachel Weisz character moved away. So the past is vague too. But the vague past and future contribute to the power of the film. It also helps, of course, that the 3 main performances are fine. An honest film you will probably want to talk about afterwards.… Expand
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8
justwibiOct 11, 2018
what a performance from duo Rachel! Talking about love, faith & freedom in a cold way.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
alejandro970Aug 21, 2021
I do not know the book on which the film was based, but what is most appreciated is that he knew how to recreate the moral dilemma of abiding by faith, based on strict rules, or following the instinct inspired by love; this without fallingI do not know the book on which the film was based, but what is most appreciated is that he knew how to recreate the moral dilemma of abiding by faith, based on strict rules, or following the instinct inspired by love; this without falling into the scandalous. One of those that is required to see with an open mind.… Expand
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7
JLuis_001May 23, 2018
Excellent and solid performances by Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, also with a great participation of Alessandro Nivola.

Weisz continues to maintain her level and her good run since Fernando Meirelles' 360, excluding the failures of DreamExcellent and solid performances by Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, also with a great participation of Alessandro Nivola.

Weisz continues to maintain her level and her good run since Fernando Meirelles' 360, excluding the failures of Dream House and Oz the Great and Powerful while McAdams offers her best performance since A Most Wanted Man and perhaps one of the best of her entire career.
While the story never ends up running smoothly, the performances of these two actresses are worth the two hours you'll invest in this film.… Expand
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7
GrantD243Jan 9, 2019
Disobedience is very well made. The cinematography, dialogue, and acting is fantastic. The story, however, is rather simplistic. I think it was intentional as it's very clear what message this film is trying to get across, but it left meDisobedience is very well made. The cinematography, dialogue, and acting is fantastic. The story, however, is rather simplistic. I think it was intentional as it's very clear what message this film is trying to get across, but it left me searching for more in the end.… Expand
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8
imdoingmypartJun 1, 2018
We see films about the evils of religion. We see films that feel like religious propaganda. How often do we see films that just put these elements out at face value? Such is the nature of Disobedience, a small but intriguing study of theWe see films about the evils of religion. We see films that feel like religious propaganda. How often do we see films that just put these elements out at face value? Such is the nature of Disobedience, a small but intriguing study of the clash between religious devotion and personal discovery. In the end, we learn that “right” and “wrong” often do not have a place in an adult world.

Disobedience has a simple premise that allows the performances of Weisz, McAdams, and Nivola to soar (though I will argue that Nivola is the shining star here). Three friends grew up in a traditional Jewish community in London, and one of those friends (Ronit, played by Weisz) rebelled and left to live in the United States, far from her religious affiliation. When Ronit’s father dies, she returns to London to pay her respects. Her trip leads us to meet Dovid, the most interesting character in the film, and McAdams’s Esti. The three characters have three different levels of religious devotion: Ronit has rebelled and is Jewish in background only, Dovid is an ambitious rabbi who conforms to all traditional Jewish rules, and Esti is somewhere in the middle. It may seem as if the character setup forces audience members to “side” with whichever character is closest to his or her personal level of faith, but the film has much more in store.

Entertainment is not at the center of Disobedience. Dialogue takes a back seat as the camera and direction focus on facial expressions. Jewish customs are presented without exposition. Characters are sometimes unlikeable and at other times closed off. Most importantly, however, expectations are subverted. In many ways, Disobedience chooses to focus on the beauty of humanity rather than the terrible things that men do, and, while some audience members will leave unsatisfied with such optimism, many of us appreciated a film with real people for a change.… Expand
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10
abbysJun 29, 2018
Remarcable performances by Rachel Weisz, Rachel Mcadams and Alexandro Nivola.This films its heartbreaking and beutiful, the love history between the two Rachels its so touching you can feel the longing, the represion and everithing goes offRemarcable performances by Rachel Weisz, Rachel Mcadams and Alexandro Nivola.This films its heartbreaking and beutiful, the love history between the two Rachels its so touching you can feel the longing, the represion and everithing goes off with so much passion, the love scene its one of the best i have seen so far it shows eroticism without using nudity. Its a beatiful love history where people can get identify by, the final message its a good one,men or woman should be free to love who we really love and be who we really are. Its about freedom a choice. This movie its awards material.… Expand
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7
Bertaut1Dec 18, 2018
A well-told love-story set against a background of religious orthodoxy

Depicting the problems that can arise when deeply held spiritual beliefs clash with notions of personal freedom, Disobedience is the story of a forbidden love given aA well-told love-story set against a background of religious orthodoxy

Depicting the problems that can arise when deeply held spiritual beliefs clash with notions of personal freedom, Disobedience is the story of a forbidden love given a second chance. Based on Naomi Alderman's 2006 novel, written for the screen by Sebastián Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz, and directed by Lelio, the film deals with a lesbian relationship within London's relatively insular Modern Orthodox Jewish community. Uninterested in presenting a binary story where faith is the Big Bad, although the film is certainly critical of the strictures that can result from a rigid application of Jewish religious law, the community itself is depicted respectfully.

When Rav Kruschka (Anton Lesser) dies in the midst of a service, his estranged daughter Ronit (Rachel Weisz) returns home from New York, heading to the house of Dovid (a superb Alessandro Nivola), her childhood friend, and Kruska's protégé. Although the community isn't happy to see her, Dovid offers her a spare room. She accepts and is stunned to learn he is married to Esti (Rachel McAdams), another childhood friend. Over the next few days as the community prepare for Krushka's funeral, it becomes clear that Ronit and Esti were once more than friends, and the more time they spend in one another's company, the more their suppressed feelings come to the surface.

Thematically, Disobedience is far more concerned with the clash of views that result from Ronit's return than it is with condemning the beliefs of the community per se. On paper, the story might lend itself to a condemnation of the kind of social suffocation and emotional repression that can result from fundamentalism. Instead, however, the film spends time building a respectful, if not idealised, picture of the community. A key part in this is Dovid himself. In a less nuanced film, he would be a fire-and-brimstone Roger Chillingworth-type, an obstacle to Ronit and Esti's happiness. Instead he is presented as someone who faces a difficult choice - that between his communal position and his faith on the one hand, and his genuine love of Esti and affection for Ronit on the other.

However, for all that, the film never lets you forget that this is a community where married women must wear a sheitel wig in public and where the genders are strictly divided at religious services. As Ronit and Esti discuss their sexuality, Esti points out that she and Dovid have sex every Friday night, "as is expected", and that the reason she was married to him in the first place was that Krushka hoped "marriage would cure" her lesbian desire. In this sense, although respectful of the community, the film certainly challenges its myopic sexism.

Obviously, a major theme is sexuality. There are actually two sex scenes in the film; one between Ronit and Esti, and the other between Esti and Dovid. And although they couldn't be more different, they also couldn't exist without one another, as the abandonment, lust, and sense of pressure being released when Esti is with Ronit contrasts sharply with the detached, formulaic, and passionless scene with Dovid. The scene between Ronit and Esti is the physical manifestation of the characters' long-repressed desire. It's a wholly justified narrative moment, and a necessary beat for the two characters. It's not an aside or a piece of voyeuristic male fantasy, it's the centre of the whole film. Together, the two scenes represent Esti's binary choice - an unbridled and sexually fulfilling, but unstable relationship with Ronit, or a dutiful and dull, but respectful and secure relationship with Dovid.

If I had one major criticism, it would be that although Lelio's direction is subtle, some of his and Lenkiewicz's writing choices are spectacularly on the nose. The opening sermon is a good example - a religious diatribe whose subject is mankind's freedom to choose, the concomitant ability to disobey, and the notion that freedom is impossible without sacrifice, in a film about these very same issues. The worst example of this, however, is found when Ronit and Esti go to Krushka's house and Ronit turns on the radio, which just so happens to be playing The Cure's "Lovesong", a song which perfectly encapsulates their situation.

These issues aside though, this is an excellently crafted film. Once again examining female desire, issues of patriarchal oppression, and profound self-doubt, Lelio delivers a mature and considered meditation on the conflict between faith and sexuality. Equal parts sensual and spiritual, the lethargic pace and absence of any narrative fireworks will probably alienate some, but for the rest of us, this is thoughtful and provocative cinema.… Expand
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8
CosiMOLOGOOct 6, 2018
Sebastian Lelio es uno de los realizadores latinoamericanos más importantes de esta época. Se hizo notar el 2013 con Gloria, pero el año pasado sorprendió con "Una mujer fantástica", la historia de Marina, una mujer transgenero que debeSebastian Lelio es uno de los realizadores latinoamericanos más importantes de esta época. Se hizo notar el 2013 con Gloria, pero el año pasado sorprendió con "Una mujer fantástica", la historia de Marina, una mujer transgenero que debe sobreponerse a las limitaciones, después de la muerte de su pareja. El hecho de que un director halla decidido tocar una temática,algo polémico, sobre todo en esta parte del mundo, y abogar por una comunidad es importante, y mucho más si lo hace bien.

Lo más destacable es el guión de Rebecca Lenkiewicz, que se encargó de adaptar Ida (2013) ahora adapta Desobediencia, también un libro escrito por Naomi Alderman. Este, que se encuentra lleno de metáforas, como las pelucas que usa Esti, que puede significar como oculta su verdaderos sentimientos. Lo que se debe y lo que se quiere; unos de los temas principales de la película, los sentimientos y los deseos reprimidos. Está escrito con humanidad y fuerte realismo, rosando en partes la perfección. Separa y equilibra los temas que se propone, no se limita a contar con los clichés de este tipo de historias, sino que explora diversos temas y genera tensión en ciertas escneas, trayendo así una historia hermosa, que habla sobre la libertad, la sumisión la sexualidad y la fe. Aparte del guión lo mas destacable de esta cinta son las estupendas actuaciones. Ambas actrices ofrecen una excelente y conmovedora presentación. Desobediencia pone a Sebastián Lelio como uno de los mejores realizadores de nuestra época.… Expand
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9
JEsFsFOct 13, 2018
My favorite film of 2018. Perfectly executed. You feel the oppression, the longing. The acting is outstanding. Each scene reveals just enough. Here's what I thing Rachel McAdams does better than anyone else: you see her character andMy favorite film of 2018. Perfectly executed. You feel the oppression, the longing. The acting is outstanding. Each scene reveals just enough. Here's what I thing Rachel McAdams does better than anyone else: you see her character and think "man, I want someone to love me like that." I can't wait to watch it again.… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
This is quite a good film. Its one where its what isn't said that says it all. Its all about acceptance and conformity within a jewish family. The acting is good and its pretty thought provoking. I liked the soft music played in theThis is quite a good film. Its one where its what isn't said that says it all. Its all about acceptance and conformity within a jewish family. The acting is good and its pretty thought provoking. I liked the soft music played in the background - not too over bearing. I thought it was quite poignant at times, with hushed dialogue, two people trying to maintain a relationship in obviously disapproving circumstances.… Expand
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7
DogeGamer2015Aug 2, 2021
Es una película dramática; la trama es buena y las actuaciones de Rachel Weisz y Rachel McAdams son excelentes; es recomendable.
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9
lessacebolaOct 7, 2020
Ótimo filme, é meio lentinho mas a mensagem que passa é muito linda e importante.
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9
anfeherle89Jun 4, 2021
amazing story, shows the reality of a lot of people around the globe, and show it in a very good way
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