By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Sandi Simcha Dubowski
Country: israel, united_states
Year: 2001
Running time: 94
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0278102
Diane says: “This is a docu by Sandi Simcha Dubowski about gay and lesbian Jews trying to remain in the fold of Orthodox and Hasidic Judaism. The director succeeds by focussing on the line of tension within both the gay people and their rabbis. For the gay people: the need to be true to themselves, and their trepidation and anger about their relationship with God. For the Hasids and rabbis who reject homosexuality: the need to be faithful to the Torah as they understand it, and their desire to be human and loving. As I recall, Renée critiqued the film because it neglected presenting those who are very hostile to homosexuality. I think it was a good choice: those people aren’t interesting, because they’re not struggling. The movie hit me emotionally. My only complaints are the use of silent silhouettes–since you couldn’t tell who they people are, it’s ineffective–and too much cutting in some of the interviews.” 3 cats
Michael says: “Seen this year at the Boston Jewish Film Festival before a sold-out house, Sandi Simcha DuBowski’s TREMBLING BEFORE G-D (the devout don’t spell out the holy name) was a real crowd please.
“To be gay or lesbian and an Orthodox Jew is somewhat of an oxymoron. Strict Orthodox law and custom does not allow for homosexuality. Of course, there are gays and lesbians who wish to follow the devout Orthodox path, and TREMBLING BEFORE G-D follows several of these men and women in their
attempt.
“While the overall effect of the film provides a good backdrop for the struggle these people face, there seemed to be something missing. I, for one, kept thinking about the less that equal roles men and women face in the Orthodox tradition. This would have been another film entirely, but it bothered me that it was not even mentioned. There were a couple great moments in TREMBLING, but when faced with my personal barometer of documentary success, THE GLEANERS & I, this otherwise intriguing film falls short.” 3 cats
Renee says: “I felt differently about TREMBLING. I went to go see it late in October in Manhattan and I came away feeling that I just wanted it to go on. I found myself intently interested in these people’s struggles–to be gay and Orthodox. I felt the stories were told fluidly and it was beautifully filmed. If something was missing, it was the views of less understanding rabbis. The rabbis featured were clear that an observant Jew could in no way have a homosexual relationship, but they were open, at least, to listening. I wonder how many gay Orthodox Jews even get that much: one man had been permanently rejected by his father.”