Very well executed

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Blistering performances.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

The writing for "Arranged" is terribly leading and belittling. Directed and written by Stefan Schaefer, the narrative goes through fabricated and forced discussions wiht caricaturish type relationships of Muslim and Jewish female characters. The acting ranges from decent to poor - especially the phony accents. Traditional stereotypical ideas are blasted in excess. In one preposterous scene, you have the lead Jewish character's mother chastising her daughter in front of her Muslim friend for bringing her over. While this might be possible it is fairly implausible. There are plenty of similar scenes where characters are puppets of the writers devoid of realism. The main characters are old enough to not be so dependent emotionally on their respective parents, so it didn't make sense. Not recommended but you could do worse. 5/10

If you're looking for a film which addresses the issues of arranged marriage, this is not it.Two young women, one Jewish one Islamic, both belonging to families which are strict to their respective religions, start up a friendship and end up helping each other through the hazards and dilemmas of arranged marriage.The conflict throughout this story is very light. It only really gets heated at one point near the end when a pro-womens' lib head teacher is told to back off (and you can almost hear the director applauding). Yes, the film-makers leave you in no doubt where they stand and make sure to avoid any deeper reflection on the subject. Just when you think some kind of drama may be about to kick off, the film does an about turn and heads for the emergency exit (signed 'COP OUT').Of course, there are happy arranged marriages. But do we need this kind of saccharine-sweet depiction? There was a film about non-arranged marriages made in the 70s which ends with the wives wheeling their shopping trolleys around a store like zombies - it's called The Stepford Wives. Arranged has a similar end scene, but even more chilling considering the film-makers intended this to warm your heart.You could try watching this film and imagining it's a sci-fi movie set in alternative reality where women's lib never caught on. Or maybe you're up for an arranged marriage and you need convincing.

A fellow blog reader suggested that I watch "Arranged" (2007). It is a very nice film that I definitely recommend as well.Arranged is about the friendship between two women- one an Orthodox Jewish school teacher and the other a Muslim one. The acting was very strong and credible and the story absorbing as the womens' relationship develops against all odds. They find similarities in their situations despite great cultural and religious divides and solace in the fact that their parents are trying to arrange marriages for both of them with candidates who as the name implies, they cannot choose.The actresses who portray Rochel and Nosira are beautiful inside and out and made this film a true pleasure to watch. The ending was uplifting and charming; the movie all around very enjoyable.My rating: 8 For more reviews please read http://paulinasmovies.blogspot.com

This is a most wonderful film. The acting is first rate, the direction is well paced and the New York backdrop is a joy to see.The story may appear contrived to some, but to me it was believable. Coming from a strong ethnic background (although not as strong as Jewish Orthodoxy or Observant Muslim), I understood the conflicts "typical" American culture and values place on those that are a little different. While we in America (especially the media) are tolerant of, accommodate and even promote, gays, lesbians, PETA, and most other non-mainstream groups, we don't tend to tolerate religious conservatives. This movie shows that such people are real people. Of course they are lucky to live in America where they can freely practice their beliefs.The movie works on many planes. The father-daughter relationships are charming. The relationship between the young women and their principal, and with their siblings is also well done. The happy "Jane Austin" ending may not be totally realistic, but it makes most of us feel good inside.It is both serious and funny. The plethora of ill-suited suitors is very funny; reminds me of the suitors the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding invites to dinner.The lifestyle of Leah and the women's fellow teachers is a real picture of today's young people. They drink, smoke dope and "hook-up" without a second thought that there may be something wrong with such a life style.The movie is also about choices. This is made obviously clear when Rachel "tells off" her principal.I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I laughed when it was funny and teared up when it was heart-warming, and came away looking forward to see it again. I highly recommend it.