First I thought this is a lesbian film then after watching it, I realize this is much more than a romantic lesbian film. The movie starts off with the lead actress, Naomi, who has a very traditional upbringing in Israel, who is a very smart and confident young girl and just lost her mother. Before she enters the role of wife and mother, she wants to do something for herself. Although she can't be the rabbi, she wants to study more about the religion so she entered the school in Safed. There, she met a free spirited and rebellious girl, Michal. They both helped this non-Jew woman to cleanse her sins of murdering her lover and leaving her husband and children. Throughout the whole cleansing process, not only they helped this woman to gain her inner peace, they also discovered something within themselves. They developed the deep connection and more appreciation for each other's differences. Their friendship went above and they fell in love with each other. After helping this woman, they both got expelled by the school. Originally, they were to get an apartment together. But in this traditional culture and society dominated by men, Michal decided to follow the traditional rules and get married. At the end, Naomi showed up in Michal's wedding. When Michal asked if she could forgive her, Naomi said no, cried, then smiled and both danced in the wedding. It is sad to see the couple who developed a deep connection were separated by the society!! There are several plots in this movie- helping the outcast against all and realizing what you want and going after what you want but being stopped by the society. It was very deep, emotional, and touching. Their acting were superb. It was very convincing. It was really impressive for this movie to focus on so many levels: religions, self realization and acceptance, and society expectations. Job well done. strongly recommend this movie.
Review of The Secrets
