A Price Above Rubies (1998)

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

Director:

Boaz Yakin

Writer:

Boaz Yakin

Stars:

Renée Zellweger, Christopher Eccleston, Julianna Margulies

2 nominations.

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

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

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Plot Keywords:

jewish shiva | hasidic | marriage | jew | interrupted kiss | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mendel (Glenn Fitzgerald) says Sonia's (Renée Zellweger's) birthstone is the ruby, this would make her birthdate somewhere in July.

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Goofs

Most of the action takes place between Sonya's birthday, which is in July, as evidenced by her birthstone, the ruby), and Yom Kippur, which is in the early fall. However, in all the outdoor scenes, it is clearly winter, as evidenced by the winter coats on all characters and extras.

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Quotes

Sonia Horowitz: There was a fire inside of me.

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Connections

Referenced in Dinner for Five: Episode #1.1 (2001)

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Soundtracks

Arovecha
Performed by Jesus Alemañy's Joubanismoi
Written by Maraca (as Orlando Valle)
Courtesy of Hannibal Records, a Byodisc label
By Arrangement with Ocean Park Music Group

User Reviews

Amazingly spot on!

I was Sonia. I lived a life in many ways similar to her's - i.e., married a 'yeshiva buchor', supported him, rebelled (emphatically!), was ostricised and found the whole thing stifling, intollerant, conformist (woe betide to those who dared to be a bit different), suppressive and above all 100% hypocritical (I don't look Jewish and if I had a penny for the number of 'orthodox' men who tried to pick me up, I could retire!). Mendel's brother's behaviour wouldn't surprise me in real life one bit.

I was absolutely amazed how authentically the characters in this film portrayed the yeshiva going community - to the point where I actually read the credits at the end to see how many of the actors were Jewish! Although Judaism is supposed' to be a lot of things (i.e., the man is 'encouraged' to see to his wife's pleasure), it is in fact quite often the opposite. As is often said, the religion is fine, it's the people who leave a lot to be desired. And that came across so clearly in this film. Sonia was ostracised for not conforming (yup, that sounds about right), her husband was so 'devout' (a tzadik) he was ashamed of his - and her - sexuality that he tried to repress it (yep, right again), the yentas (busy boddies) in the community had a lot to say (um hmmm) - absolutely everything about the movie was so spot on it was eerie - even down to the Yiddish-isms, accents and dress.

It brought back a lot of unpleasant memories...but that is only a testament to how authentic the film really was. In terms of storyline, content, acting, music - I thought it was excellent, hence the 10* rating.

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 USA:

$36,063, 29 March 1998

Gross USA:

$1,130,732

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,130,732

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