The Women's Balcony
Menemsha Films | Release Date: March 3, 2017 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
13
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Arizona RepublicRandy CordovaJun 8, 2017
Call it a battle-of-the-sexes comedy set in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem. But, in its own quiet and friendly way, the film goes deeper than that, looking at how conservative religious views can clash with more moderate ways. Read full review
80
The New York TimesNicole HerringtonMay 25, 2017
The entire cast is solid, but the women, especially Ms. Hagoel, bring depth to their comedic and dramatic turns. Read full review
80
Village VoiceJordan HoffmanMay 25, 2017
This light and predictable movie, with its overwhelming box office success, still offers tremendous insight into day-to-day Israeli society. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckMay 24, 2017
Shlomit Nechama’s screenplay makes the proceedings compelling while mining gentle humor from the foibles of the mostly endearing characters, expertly played by the large ensemble. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranMar 2, 2017
This is an unapologetically warmhearted comedic drama, a fine example of commercial filmmaking grounded in a persuasive knowledge of human behavior. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerJul 13, 2017
Well conceived, deftly comic and finely acted (particularly Evelin Hagoel as the gutsy wives’ ringleader), The Women’s Balcony overlooks nothing when it comes to addressing faith, segregation and sexism in a peppery, entertaining way. Read full review
75
Boston GlobePeter KeoughJul 5, 2017
Rendered heartfelt and compelling by an outstanding cast. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleDavid LewisJun 14, 2017
It’s impossible to resist a film that has such rich characters, and makes a complicated subject both enlightening and entertaining. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comSheila O'MalleyMay 26, 2017
While the mood is that of a gentle and affectionate comedy, the film makes some extremely sharp points about fanaticism, sexism masked as holiness, and tolerance among the faithful. Read full review
75
The Film StageJared MobarakMay 24, 2017
What The Women’s Balcony provides is a universal theme. At one time or another we all must reconcile our idealism with morality. We must look past literal meanings to embrace subjective ones able to encompass a broader swath of the surrounding world. Read full review
70
VarietyAlissa SimonMar 2, 2017
Offering solid, middle-brow entertainment that borrows from Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” the film shows the relationships and tensions between different groups within Orthodox Judaism in Jerusalem, and provides a cautionary (and universally understandable) tale about religious fundamentalism. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenJul 19, 2017
Even though some of the religious and traditional aspects of the film may not travel well, its spirit is universal. Read full review
63
Washington PostPat PaduaJun 15, 2017
Although the film ultimately strikes a celebratory tone, the stark divisions it reveals offer an unsettling look at the state of public discourse. Read full review
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