Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem

Parental Rating: No Rating

Contains: Language    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens March 6, 2015

Runs 115 minutes

In Israel there is no such thing as a civil divorce or "Gett". The Rabbis bless the marriages and also preside over any dissolutions. However, there is no divorce without total agreement by the husband. Viviane (Ronit Elkabetz) married too young and felt stifled in an increasingly cold marriage. For three years Viviane has been applying for a divorce only to be snubbed by her husband at every turn. The trial drags on for two more years as the judges (Rabbis) make Viviane parade character and family witnesses through the courtroom and her husband continues to deny her request. Will she be forced to live married to a man she now despises forever?

This movie is fascinating. The whole movie takes place inside of a courtroom. Month after month and year after year as Viviane comes to plead her case and try to get her husband to agree. It is hard to imagine that a woman in Israel today has no right to a divorce without her husband's consent. The movie is never dull. And, the woman who plays Viviane is amazing. She looks a little like a dark haired Kate Winslet to me. If you are a fan of films depicting interesting facets of other cultures, this is the movie for you. I highly recommend it!

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