This sensitive exploration of the profound emotional impact of ritual on those who participated (and those who refused) touched me. Visually the film emphasized the need to avoid directly gazing at the bathers but also suggested simple beauty of the surroundings. The leisurely close-ups displayed the emotions of the women and the confusion of the men trying to understand and empathize. It is instructive to see their sexual practices so openly discussed especially since they contrast with those usually portrayed in US films. More time might be given to the mentors whose characters seemed more of a single type than the culturally diverse main players.
2 Reviews
One-sided diatribe
mtorcz26 January 2004
It's frustrating to sit down for a film expecting to view a carefully explored analysis of a complex, rarely-treated subject - and then be treated, instead, to an unadulterated, one-sided diatribe.
Everything in this film is angled toward a negative portrayal of Jewish "purity" rituals. The few relatively positive voices allowed in the film are actually neutral, and negative voices are permitted to respond to them. The negative voices, on the other hand, are given free rein without rebuttal and enjoy some 55 minutes out of the total 63. The negativity borders on the ludicrous; in one example, horror-film music is used as background for a wedding.
This is not a documentary; it's a smear. The director has her point of view and is entitled to it, but this film should be advertised for what it is: A propagandist attack piece.
Everything in this film is angled toward a negative portrayal of Jewish "purity" rituals. The few relatively positive voices allowed in the film are actually neutral, and negative voices are permitted to respond to them. The negative voices, on the other hand, are given free rein without rebuttal and enjoy some 55 minutes out of the total 63. The negativity borders on the ludicrous; in one example, horror-film music is used as background for a wedding.
This is not a documentary; it's a smear. The director has her point of view and is entitled to it, but this film should be advertised for what it is: A propagandist attack piece.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
