Noemi, the studious, devoutly religious daughter of a prominent rabbi, convinces her father to postpone her marriage for a year so that she might study at a Jewish seminary for women in the ancient Kabalistic seat of Safe.
Acting
Fanny Ardant's wounded, magnetic presence as Anouk
Cinematography
Safe's ancient stone corridors shot like erotic labyrinths
Writing
Talmudic debate scenes that crackle with subtext
Director
Avi Nesher
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Filmed in Safed, actual center of Jewish mysticism, with local women as extras—some had never seen a film crew before.
The Kabbalistic tikkun ritual performed by the women was invented for the film, blending authentic mysticism with dramatic license that offended some Orthodox critics.
IL
