"Arranged" introduces Rochel(Zoe Lister Jones), an orthodox Jew, and Nasira(Francis Benhamou), a Muslim who was born in Syria, sitting on separate sides of the teacher's lounge quietly eating their lunches, with a group of women loudly talking in between them. Rochel is a para educator, assigned to help Eddie(David
Castro), a legally blind student in Nasira's class. The two women bond after the classroom explodes in a bout of ignorance(Eddie's surprised to hear there were ghettos in Europe. You have no idea.) and the resulting condescension by Principal Jacoby(Marcia Jean Kurtz). All of that is nothing compared to the stress of matchmaking that the new friends must deal with.
"Arranged" brings sensitivity and grace to a situation many people would probably find draconian for a modern woman. The movie deftly respects Rochel and Nasira having the right to self-determination in choosing to not only live in tradition bound communities but also how to choose their husbands.(As Rochel asks, is the modern way any better?) It is interesting that the matchmaker emphasizes the potential husbands' economic prospects which while important in supporting a family is not everything. The women are not looking for perfection. They just want somebody they can share their lives with.(Teeth would also be nice.) So, as you can see, Rochel and Nasira are two modest women who have a lot in common, even if they are from different communities. Still, even this friendship is not without its detractors. Come on. It is not like they are going to marry each other...
March 25, 2010
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