Movie- Keeping the Faith

Rated #2 Jewish Comedy

Profile
Came out in 2000
Running time of 2 hours and 8 minutes
Available on VHS
Directed by Edward Norton
Written by Stuart Blumberg
Main Stars: Edward Norton, Ben Stiller, Jenna Elfman

What's It All About:
Brian and Jake, two childhood best friends, grow up to be a priest and a rabbi and fall for the same woman, Anna. The picture depicts the struggle both have in regards to Anna. For Brian the struggle entails being in love with a woman which is against the priesthood. For Jake the struggle entails being in a long lasting relationship with a woman who is not Jewish and hiding the relationship from Brian, his family, and his congregation.

Why I Recommend It:
1 - The acting. Ed Norton, Ben Stiller, and Jenna Elfman give fine performances and bring to life the struggles of each character onto the screen. Jenna Elfman in particular shines as Anna.

2 - The modern, realistic problem of a Jew falling in love with a non-Jew. The situation and the conflict presented in the film is handled very well. Although most interfaith couples remain interfaith through the course of their relationship, here, the film shows a case where one party takes the bold step of converting to the other faith, not just for love, but as a means to find fulfillment for herself.

Distinguishing Jewish Appeal:
1 - The friendly relationship between a rabbi and a priest. Their relationship proves that despite different religious views, people of all faiths can be friends and help each other out.
2 - The depiction of a modern, reformed rabbi and his congregation.
3 - The conflict of modern Jews in regards to falling in love and having a relationship with a non-Jew.
4 - How a non-Jew not only fell in love with a rabbi, but with the religion as well. (Anna takes Judaism and conversion classes throughout the film and exposes this fact at the end of the film.)

Of Note:
1 - This is Ed Norton's directing debut. He did a fairly decent job directing the film.
2 - Ben Stiller comes from an interfaith family. His parents are Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.

Added: January 1st 2003
Reviewer: Sandy Chertok
Score:
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Language: english