David & Layla (2005)

Star-crossed lovers, David and Layla - Romeo and Juliet in New York with a twist!. Inspired by a true story, a spicy romantic comedy...via Iraq & Jerusalem.

Director:

J.J. Alani (as Jay Jonroy)

Writer:

J.J. Alani (as Jay Jonroy)

Stars:

David Moscow, Shiva Rose, Peter Van Wagner

6 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Moscow	...	David Fine
Shiva Rose	...	Layla
Peter Van Wagner	...	Mel Fine
Polly Adams	...	Judith Fine
Callie Thorne	...	Abby
Will Janowitz	...	Woody Fine
Alexander Blaise	...	Francois
Ed Chemaly	...	Uncle Ali 'Al'
Anna George	...	Zina
Ken Kliban	...	Dr. Jacobson, vasectomy doctor
Albert Macklin	...	Dr. Susswein, the shrink
Hany Kamal	...	Imam
Joseph Kamal	...	Howar, Saz / Tanbur player.
Tibor Feldman	...	Rabbi Rabinovich
Anahid	...	Aunt Aftaw Khan

Storyline

Sparks fly when a Jew and a Muslim fall in love in New York. David, a TV host of "Sex & Happiness", becomes smitten with the voluptuous Layla - a mysterious, sensual dancer. Layla turns out to be a Muslim refugee. Teased by specious tips from his ironic French cameraman, David madly pursues Layla. This sets off a veiling and unveiling of the similarities - and contrasts - of their ancient cultures. David's lust grows into love as he discovers in stunning Layla, a sensitive, intelligent, war survivor with an ancient rich culture that echoes his own culture. But their families are dead set against this unlikely romance. Faced with deportation, Layla must choose: Muslim American Dr. Ahmad or Jewish American David? Will David and Layla follow their hearts to blast through centuries of religious animosity?

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Plot Keywords:

neo screwball comedy | character names as title | forenames as title | three word title | muslim | 

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Taglines:

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" in the 21st century?

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is inspired by a true love story. Married since 1990, the real David & Layla now live in Paris. They flew to New York to meet the cast and the crew during the production of this film. The real Layla designed Layla's wedding dress. She is the guest with green eyes and dark hair who is one of the Kurdish dancing women in bright golden orange gilet, during the wedding. Her husband, the real David, plays himself as the new vasectomy patient who answers to his real name, David Ruby, and gets the appointment with Dr. Jacobson.

User Reviews

All You Need is Love!

A modern tale for the ages. Told with genuine tenderness and respect for both sides of the coin, "David & Layla" is the love story of a Muslim woman and a Jewish man. Peppered with interesting historical tidbits of information and unexpected laughs, the movie's strength lies in the fact that Jonroy has a healthy respect for his characters and never takes a side other than basically saying "Forget all the petty nonsense in the world. All you need is love.". Moreover, Jonroy never condescends; everyone and their relative perspectives are treated with equal respect (no small feat, considering the subject matter!). The writing, directing and acting are superb. If you want a break from the usual Hollywood dreck, go see this movie. It's a welcomed breath of fresh air.

Details

Official Sites:

Newroz Films

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 February 2012 (China)

Also Known As:

Kosher & Halal

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,491, 22 July 2007

Gross USA:

$120,750

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$120,750

Company Credits

Production Co:

Newroz Films, David & Layla, Films International Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1