Keeping the Faith (2000)

A story about two friends, a priest and a rabbi, who fall in love with the same beauty (Jenna Elfman).

Director:

Edward Norton

Writer:

Stuart Blumberg

Stars:

Ben Stiller, Edward Norton, Jenna Elfman

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ben Stiller	...	Rabbi Jake Schram
Edward Norton	...	Father Brian Finn
Jenna Elfman	...	Anna Riley
Anne Bancroft	...	Ruth Schram
Eli Wallach	...	Rabbi Ben Lewis
Ron Rifkin	...	Larry Friedman
Milos Forman	...	Father Havel
Holland Taylor	...	Bonnie Rose
Lisa Edelstein	...	Ali Decker
Rena Sofer	...	Rachel Rose
Ken Leung	...	Don
Brian George	...	Paulie Chopra
Catherine Lloyd Burns	...	Debbie
Susie Essman	...	Ellen Friedman
Stuart Blumberg	...	Len

Storyline

Jake and Brian are friends. They are Jewish and Catholic respectively. They would grow up and become a rabbi and priest respectively. Anna whom they knew when they were younger comes back to town a stunning woman. Jake is up to be the head of his synagogue but he is not married which doesn't make his appointment any easier. Jake finds himself attracted to Anna but because she is not Jewish, he can't marry cause it would be another thing that will make his appointment less likely. Brian also finds himself attracted to Anna but being a priest doesn't allow that. When they learn of each other's feelings for her, strains their friendship.

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Plot Keywords:

rabbi | priest | celibacy | religion | synagogue | 

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Taglines:

If you have to believe in something, you might as well believe in love.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew Spanish

Release Date:

5 April 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Divinas tentaciones

Filming Locations:

17 State Street, Financial District, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£261,887 (UK) (15 September 2000)

Gross:

ESP 292,473,005 (Spain) (29 June 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spyglass Entertainment, Touchstone Pictures, Triple Threat Talent

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Stuart Blumberg (producer and writer of the film) appears in the movie as Len, a co-worker of Anna.

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Goofs

During Jake's and Brian's slow-motion walk down the busy street, there is a man wearing glasses and a cream-colored jacket. As they approach, the man repeatedly jumps in front of/behind them between shots.

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Quotes

Anna Riley: You look so hot in your suit, can I just tell you.
Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram: Thank you. You look beautiful.
Father Brian Kilkenney Finn: Yeah, you really do.
Anna Riley: Thanks, men!
Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram: I don't know what it is.
Father Brian Kilkenney Finn: An absence of something.
Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram: Yeah, the cell phone.
Anna Riley: Uh, uh, uh. It's set to vibrate.
Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram: Wow, that's... sexy.

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Crazy Credits

Thank-yous include one to "Salmita Bonita", a reference to actor-director 'Edward Norton''s girlfriend, actress Salma Hayek.

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Connections

References Rain Man (1988)

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Soundtracks

"Smooth"
Written by Itaal Shur and Rob Thomas
Performed by Carlos Santana featuring Rob Thomas

User Reviews

Romantic Triangle Comedy That WORKS!

'Keeping the Faith' is one of the funniest, smartest, warmest comedies of the last several years, and is a terrific directorial debut for costar Edward Norton. It works on many levels; as a loving look at relationships, on the common ground Judaism and Catholicism shares in compassion towards people, in embracing love, no matter what obstacles might arise...and it does all this while respecting different faiths, which makes this a very unique and special film!

Norton and Ben Stiller play lifelong friends, who, as children, meet a fabulous, funny girl who they bond with. Eventually she moves away, and the two boys grow up, becoming a priest and a rabbi...then the girl returns, as a successful businesswoman, and the friendship is renewed...until romance enters the picture!

Each character is unique and likeable; Norton is a sweet, funny klutz, endearing in his awkwardness; Stiller is compassionate and quick-witted, dealing with his Temple's matchmaking efforts with wry humor; Jenna Elfman (who has NEVER been lovelier onscreen) is both wise and vulnerable, and totally believable as a person both guys would fall in love with.

Major issues are addressed in the film (a Priest's vow of celibacy, interfaith marriages, religious discrimination), and are dealt with and resolved in such a positive, loving manner that you wonder why these issues ever BECOME problems! All this reflects well on Norton, who shows remarkable sensitivity as both a cowriter and director!

The supporting cast is marvelous; Anne Bancroft is fabulous as Stiller's mother, Eli Wallach and Ron Rifkin, as a rabbi and synagogue leader, respectively, are equally good; director Milos Forman is terrific as Father Havel, Norton's mentor. Two other supporting players should be singled out, as well; Lisa Edelstein has a GREAT slapstick scene with Stiller, as the Jewish 'Date from Hell', and Brian George is hilarious as a "Sikh/Christian with Jewish in-laws" bartender that Norton confides in.

There are a LOT of great one-liners, inspired scenes, and a resolution that is both believable and satisfying. This is a 'feel-good' movie that you can enjoy, again and again! I HIGHLY recommend it!