A Price Above Rubies (1998)

About a young woman who is married to a devout Jew and the problems that trouble their marriage because of the woman wanting something more out of her life

Director:

Boaz Yakin

Writer:

Boaz Yakin

Stars:

Renée Zellweger, Christopher Eccleston, Julianna Margulies

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Renée Zellweger	...	Sonia Horowitz
Christopher Eccleston	...	Sender Horowitz
Julianna Margulies	...	Rachel
Allen Payne	...	Ramon Garcia
Glenn Fitzgerald	...	Mendel Horowitz
Kim Hunter	...	Rebbitzn
John Randolph	...	Rebbe Moshe
Kathleen Chalfant	...	Beggar Woman
Peter Jacobson	...	Schnuel
Edie Falco	...	Feiga
Timothy Jerome	...	Dr. Bauer (as Tim Jerome)
Phyllis Newman	...	Mrs. Gelbart
Joyce Reehling	...	Shaindy
Shelton Dane	...	Yossi
Jackie Ryan	...	Young Sonia

Storyline

About a young woman who is married to a devout Jew and the problems that trouble their marriage because of the woman wanting something more out of her life

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Plot Keywords:

hasidic | jew | marriage | fear | bare breasts | 

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Taglines:

In a world of rules... one woman is ruled by her passion.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and brief language

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 March 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Price Below Rubies

Filming Locations:

Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$43,588 (USA) (27 March 1998)

Gross:

$1,081,957 (USA) (29 May 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, GreeneStreet Films, Lawrence Bender Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mendel says Sonia's birthstone is the ruby, this would make her birthdate somewhere in July.

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Goofs

After the bris (circumcision ceremony), Mendel apologizes to Sonia for naming their son Shimmie "after the Rebbe." Shimmie is a nickname for Shim'on (Simon). However, the Rebbetzin (the Rebbe's wife) calls her husband Moishe. Also, at the eulogy for the Rebbe, the speaker refers to the him as "our own Moishe Rabbenu," clearly making a connection between him (and his name) and the prophet Moses.

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Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Lost in Space/The Spanish Prisoner/Mercury Rising/Kurt & Courtney/Character (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Yo Siempre Oddara"
Performed by Jane Bunnett
(from the CD "Spirits of Havana")
Written by Guillermo Baretto and Jane Bunnett
Courtesy of Jane Bunnett & Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

User Reviews

On the whole a good film!

Well, I thought this was a great film. A tale of desperation in a young woman's personal search, this film offers an intense experience for the viewer. Sonia embarks on a search for not only herself but also her place in the world and for the duration of the film Renee Zellweger gave Sonia the precise dignity and emotion that the role deserved. The supporting cast were strong, Juliana Margulies certainly showing that she's doesn't always play the 'nice girl'. Christopher Eccleston was convincingly wicked and Glenn Fitzgerald puts in a credible performance as Mendel, capturing the essence of the role commendably.

Yakin, although sometimes a little predictable juxta positioned shots poetically and dealt with the depths of the situation with a suitable depth of character investigation. I think definitely a 'chick flick', generally the issues dealt with in the movie were of a feminine nature and I would think that the emotional dominion, would have it seldom appeal to a male audience. It's recommended viewing although it is a deep movie so make sure you're in the mood. 3.5-4 out of 5