Rating: R
Movie Release Date: May 17, 2002
DVD Release Date: April 22, 2003
Plot 411: A young man struggles with who he is (Jewish) and what he believes (Neo-Nazi).
Review: The Believer is an intriguing movie that is loosely based on a true story about a young Jewish man who was a white supremacist. Ryan Gosling stars as Danny Balint, a guy who is living a contradiction. He was raised an orthodox Jew, but he believes Judaism is a disease and that all Jews should be killed. He carries this contradiction with him everywhere, and it enrages him. He hates everything Jewish, but at the same time is incredibly knowledgeable about the topic. Balint soon becomes a leader within a group of skinheads and is recruited by a fascist group to promote the cause of white supremacy. He fights with his own identity as he pushes the neo-Nazi agenda but is, at the same time, awestruck by Torah and other holy items inside a synagogue. Billy Zane and Theresa Russell play Curtis and Lina, the founders of a fascist group trying to establish itself as a legitimate organization in New York. The movie is dynamic, edgy and will push the comfort level of anyone who watches it. Gosling's performance is powerful, very real and a true demonstration of his ability as an actor. Screw The Notebook (although, I have to admit I loved him in that movie too), this is a masterful piece of acting that showcases his talent.
Watch It: If you think of yourself as politically aware and open minded. This will get you thinking.
Skip It: If you're an orthodox Jew who may get offended by some of the portrayals of Judaism.
Movie Release Date: May 17, 2002
DVD Release Date: April 22, 2003
Plot 411: A young man struggles with who he is (Jewish) and what he believes (Neo-Nazi).
Review: The Believer is an intriguing movie that is loosely based on a true story about a young Jewish man who was a white supremacist. Ryan Gosling stars as Danny Balint, a guy who is living a contradiction. He was raised an orthodox Jew, but he believes Judaism is a disease and that all Jews should be killed. He carries this contradiction with him everywhere, and it enrages him. He hates everything Jewish, but at the same time is incredibly knowledgeable about the topic. Balint soon becomes a leader within a group of skinheads and is recruited by a fascist group to promote the cause of white supremacy. He fights with his own identity as he pushes the neo-Nazi agenda but is, at the same time, awestruck by Torah and other holy items inside a synagogue. Billy Zane and Theresa Russell play Curtis and Lina, the founders of a fascist group trying to establish itself as a legitimate organization in New York. The movie is dynamic, edgy and will push the comfort level of anyone who watches it. Gosling's performance is powerful, very real and a true demonstration of his ability as an actor. Screw The Notebook (although, I have to admit I loved him in that movie too), this is a masterful piece of acting that showcases his talent.
Watch It: If you think of yourself as politically aware and open minded. This will get you thinking.
Skip It: If you're an orthodox Jew who may get offended by some of the portrayals of Judaism.
0 comments:
Post a Comment