The movie was a bit awkward at times but it was also funny. Like Elizabeth said, finally not a sad movie. I liked how her muslin friend helped set her up with the guy she liked.
I thought the movie Arranged was very good. I really liked how both women were independent and willing to stand their ground for what they believe. Obviously in the movie they portrayed Rochel having more of a difficult time with her situation. More pressure and not enough support from her family, but everything worked out in the end. Her new friend was able to help out. I really liked how Rochel and Nasira would joke about the stereotypes their boss would make. But one part that I think I liked the most was when Rochel stood up to her boss. She had a voice and she used hers. She also used her voice when standing up to her parents, mostly her mother.
During the movie arranged, I really became aware of the particular prejudice surrounding the Muslim and Jewish cultures. I was actually angered by the immediate reaction of the two cultures to one another. I also really liked how the portrayal of the ignorance was brought up through the children and the unity circle that was formed--it shows a way in which we can remove this immediate bias from American culture by teaching tolerance at a young age, instead of letting those become engrained into society. The movie tackled the issues of prejudice and tolerance in a very interesting way, weaving it into a really adorable story of friendship--which actually showed the culture of the two groups.
The movie “Arranged” was a movie about a variety of important themes: friendship, stereotypes, feminism, and the interaction between religiousness and secularity. However, the movie chose to refrain from being dramatically somber and instead dealt with problems confronting the two lead characters in an appropriately humorous way. I appreciated that this movie was more lighthearted than previous movies while also successfully describing the difficulties that both characters faced in their lives. I found the character of the principle to be extremely insensitive and offensive and, like others who have commented on the blog already, was very happy when Rochel finally decided to speak with her about the problems with what she had been saying to both her and Nasira. I have had personal experience with a lot of self-identified feminists being extremely derogatory of traditional religions, for example Orthodox Judaism, because they are oppressive towards women. While that might be true sometimes, “Arranged” did a good job of emphasizing that Rochel and Nasira are capable of making their own decisions as independent women. The two of them decide to wear modest clothing and find their significant other in the ways preferred by their religious group not because they are being forced to do so by their parents and their community, though there was of course some strife between Rochel and her mother, but because it is their decision and it is what they want to do as a result of their personal understanding of their religion. In conclusion, I really liked the movie. While it also showed that we can be friends with others regardless of personal difference, it also showed that we can sometimes relate to each other and sympathize with others even when we might not know a lot about them. While initially Rochel and Nasira might not have thought that they were very different, as the movie progresses they realize they have a lot in common. Both women are perceived of by others as being “oppressed” because their dress styles, both women have their significant others chosen for them through a way that is not typical in the United States, and both are very religious women at a time when sometimes secularism is overly critical of religion.
Kelsey Flannery I thought Arranged was a great movie. The idea behind it was great and I really thought they got their point across. Parts of this movie were very funny and entertaining. The way they depicted arranged marriages was different then I had originally imagined them, both girls had more say in who their husbands would be. I loved the school setting because it really showed how ignorant other people can be, like the other teachers, but it also showed how easy it is to explain other cultures to people, like with the children. Overall I thought the movie was very cute.
Great movie! There was an important emphasis placed on the women's choice in the arranged marriages, which is a common misconception that women are always forced into marriages. Obviously both women had a deep respect for their families' opinions but they were true to themselves as well. It was really interesting to me that even with the incredibly diverse setting in New York, the divide among the cultures was still so strong. I really loved Nasira's attitude, she was gentle but fiercely true to what she believed. I feel like she could have harnessed that will to make a much bigger difference, however. Rochel was awesome but she could have said a LOT more to the principal. The principal was arrogant and ignorant and needed someone to give her a good slap of reality. It really struck me that Rochel's little brother was so adamant in asking if the other boy was Jewish. From watching his parents and the environment he grew up in, he thought that was the deciding factor on how he should regard him. I liked this movie mostly because it got me to think about how intensely people divide each other based on religion and how important it is to teach acceptance at a young age.
Arranged was interesting, it showed something most people in America currently have no idea is still happening here. It produces two feeling in myself that I can describe somewhat decently. The first being comfort, not having to worry about finding love which many sadly never do. It’s a comfort to be able to know that your future is secure. The second feeling is something that Rachael experienced the thought of nothing working out and having to choose between family and not being miserable. It has to be an awful feeling to choose to walk away. However it did work out for her in the end when she stayed. The movie felt a bit like commentary on social views. Inside and outside closed doors. I liked the movie. Brandon Alexander Arab 1002
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I found there were many things I was able to relate to, mainly the pressure to get married. While my culture doesn’t do arranged marriages, there does come a certain age where the family starts to worry. I have reached that age. Like with Rachel, if you are not married by a certain age you become nothing but a spinster. My younger brother is already married with children so the pressure is even heavier now to give my parents grandchildren and a wedding. Like Rachel, when I told my parents I didn’t even know if I wanted to get married, I was told that I was selfish and not thinking about the family. I will add that I was very sad when Rachel eventually got married. I was counting on her for our cause!
First off I want to say I loved this movie, I really connected with the characters and I am pretty sure I got really into it. A few things I noticed was at the beginning of the film it was about the conflict between the Muslims and the Jews, which also reminded me of the religious studies conference I went to and heard Youssef discuss the Jews in Morocco. This , however, was not the full idea that the film was trying to perceive. Nasira was the Muslim teacher who, despite how America and her co-workers believed, was very independent and she even said that wearing her hijab was her choice and not forced by her father. She was an actual woman and not how the media perceives Muslim woman to be.Which needs to be recognized more. Rochel also showed her own independence but I think her story was more of conflict with finding what she wants against her families pressures. She still kept with her customs but it seemed like her family couldn't really understand her during this time, Rochel even thought about leaving her family during the movie. This comes back to crossing cultures however because you see how Nasira works to help Rochel with her problems like the marriage interviews and we also see how they work together in the classroom to teach their students about unity. The other teacher who discussed her wild time skinny dipping once was more representing the lack of modesty that both Nasira and Rochel valued. Also the principal or teacher, I wasn't really sure as to what this woman was, she was more an example of how ignorance can be over come if someone just gets educated about the subject they lack information of. I thought it was amazing movie, it was very lighthearted and comedic at times while still showing their hardships. It is a movie I would recommend to others even if they didn't have any interest in the subject matter.
I really enjoyed this movie! It was nice to finally watch a movie with a happy ending. However, there are many more reason why this was a great movie. I think that in this current world climate where populations are growing and different cultures are mixing it is important to understand one another. I think this was a movie about how people of different cultures can still connect despite their different beliefs. Too many times people assume that just because you have different beliefs that you can't relate and be friends. I also learned a ton. I didn't realize how orthodox jews beliefs would intermingle with the world today and it was refreshing to see a young woman still be happy with traditional beliefs even with societal pressures. I look forward to more movies with strong female characters.
To be honest, I really did enjoy this movie. I thought that it was very interesting to see how different yet so similar two cultures are in this case of arranged marriages. I think that it was interesting to see how these two young women dealt with the struggle between staying true to one's culture while dealing with the pressures of the modern world. Although both women seemed to end up with nice gentlemen who they seemed to be happy with, it really makes you think about all of the other men and women who have to go through, or have already gone through, an arranged marriage. Even though it is a part of their culture, this movie really highlights just one of the struggles these young ladies have to deal with living in America. I found this movie to be very insightful with a sense of humor.
I really enjoyed the movie. I liked how it showed the view of the women. And how it showed that we as women have our own opinions in such a male dominated society. To me this movie brought forth two main things. One being that religions are more a like then they are different and two that it is okay to be religious in America. Yes, others might find it odd or strange but you do not let your culture defind you and thats what i interrtupted from Rahos exercise with the kids in the classroom.
This movie was really enlightening to me. I like how the film shows a side of these two religions that aren't typically broadcasted and therefore lead to people developing misconceptions. Films like these could definitely expedite the process of educating the masses on different religions and cultures. The scene in school when the children thought all Muslims and Jews wanted to kill each other was an excellent representation of how so many uninformed people think. It's still astonishing to see how inconsiderate and disrespectful people can be in regards to others who may hold differing beliefs, as in the case with the principal and the teachers. Later, the principal said "inshallah" and another word in Hebrew which made it seem like she was attempting to learn more about the teachers' cultures. I'm glad this movie ended on a positive note. All in all, it was an informative and entertaining film.
Finally a happy ending!!!!! I really enjoyed this movie. I loved how it showed how influential kids are and I loved how the teachers handled the situation of how the kids thought they couldn't be friends. I loved how it show both women's perspective and how their religion is, and how they respected each others religion and beliefs. I thought it was so sweet how the girl was able to get the guys information for the match maker so that Rachel was able to meet him =). I also loved how they stuck together against all the stereotypes and such, which goes to show that we are all not that different from each other. All in all a very good movie! Amira Arabic 3030
The movie was very interesting to me because it showed American negative views on religions that are not represented correctly and how it affected the way the principal looked at the two women. It brings forward the problems of not accepting ones culture into your own even though you may have different viewpoints. The two women did not have a problem with each other's religious belief but it seemed like everyone else did and if the women were happy with their friendship or relationship choices, then people should just accept it. What stood out to me the most was how the movie shown that some women have a bigger role than many would think within an arranged marriage. The women would not stop choosing different men until they were for sure that they found the right one, regardless of what way they were going to do it.
This was an excellent film not only because it was well written and executed, but it had a very important message. As a society we focus on the difference between people. I for one, did not know that Orthodox Jews did arranged marriages, so it was very interesting seeing the concept applied to a group that is not usually associated with. The friendship of Rachel and Nasira families added a very nice element to the story because they highlighted not only the pressure put on them by their families, but by their whole communities. The driving point of the movie is that everyone deserves to choose the person they marry regardless of gender, race, religion, or social status. Also, it was nice to see a happy ending for once.
The thing that had stuck out to me the most about, “Arranged” was really the bond between Rochel and Nasira. The fact that they had come from two completely different backgrounds and them becoming best friends in the end is not something expected in the real world. It definitely seemed as if fate had brought them together. By looking at Rochel’s family you could see how her mom much preferred to keep her sheltered at home but Rochel kept fighting to break away and be free but while also wanting to respect her family and by meeting Nasira she was able to do that. Nasira really was the one behind Rochel’s true happiness in the end. If Nasira’s father wasn’t as “hands off” as he was, Rochel would have never been able to meet her husband in the end. With Nasira being able to have more say so in her life Rochel wouldn’t have been able to honor her family while also being with a man she truly loved.
i thoroughly enjoyed this movie. At first, I had my apprehensions about it, however when I saw how both the protagonists were also apprehensive to their own cultural practices I was more at ease. I thought the film may have been exaggerated somewhat here and there with regards to stereotyping, but only just so. The sad part is that they really did not have to exaggerate the racial profiling too extensively, it was and is already that bad. I was glad to see the other side of the practice of arranged marriages however, In common opinion, we oftentimes picture arranged marriages as some poor unfortunate woman being forced to marry some evil, fat slob because her father or family said so. The reality of the situation is that it is a complicated sometimes controversial practice that is based off of cultural practices and religious beliefs. Tyler Reeves
The movie was a bit awkward at times but it was also funny. Like Elizabeth said, finally not a sad movie. I liked how her muslin friend helped set her up with the guy she liked.
ReplyDeleteDarby Galler:
ReplyDeleteI thought the movie Arranged was very good. I really liked how both women were independent and willing to stand their ground for what they believe. Obviously in the movie they portrayed Rochel having more of a difficult time with her situation. More pressure and not enough support from her family, but everything worked out in the end. Her new friend was able to help out. I really liked how Rochel and Nasira would joke about the stereotypes their boss would make. But one part that I think I liked the most was when Rochel stood up to her boss. She had a voice and she used hers. She also used her voice when standing up to her parents, mostly her mother.
During the movie arranged, I really became aware of the particular prejudice surrounding the Muslim and Jewish cultures. I was actually angered by the immediate reaction of the two cultures to one another. I also really liked how the portrayal of the ignorance was brought up through the children and the unity circle that was formed--it shows a way in which we can remove this immediate bias from American culture by teaching tolerance at a young age, instead of letting those become engrained into society. The movie tackled the issues of prejudice and tolerance in a very interesting way, weaving it into a really adorable story of friendship--which actually showed the culture of the two groups.
ReplyDeleteBrieana Williams
The movie “Arranged” was a movie about a variety of important themes: friendship, stereotypes, feminism, and the interaction between religiousness and secularity. However, the movie chose to refrain from being dramatically somber and instead dealt with problems confronting the two lead characters in an appropriately humorous way. I appreciated that this movie was more lighthearted than previous movies while also successfully describing the difficulties that both characters faced in their lives. I found the character of the principle to be extremely insensitive and offensive and, like others who have commented on the blog already, was very happy when Rochel finally decided to speak with her about the problems with what she had been saying to both her and Nasira. I have had personal experience with a lot of self-identified feminists being extremely derogatory of traditional religions, for example Orthodox Judaism, because they are oppressive towards women. While that might be true sometimes, “Arranged” did a good job of emphasizing that Rochel and Nasira are capable of making their own decisions as independent women. The two of them decide to wear modest clothing and find their significant other in the ways preferred by their religious group not because they are being forced to do so by their parents and their community, though there was of course some strife between Rochel and her mother, but because it is their decision and it is what they want to do as a result of their personal understanding of their religion. In conclusion, I really liked the movie. While it also showed that we can be friends with others regardless of personal difference, it also showed that we can sometimes relate to each other and sympathize with others even when we might not know a lot about them. While initially Rochel and Nasira might not have thought that they were very different, as the movie progresses they realize they have a lot in common. Both women are perceived of by others as being “oppressed” because their dress styles, both women have their significant others chosen for them through a way that is not typical in the United States, and both are very religious women at a time when sometimes secularism is overly critical of religion.
ReplyDeleteKelsey Flannery
ReplyDeleteI thought Arranged was a great movie. The idea behind it was great and I really thought they got their point across. Parts of this movie were very funny and entertaining. The way they depicted arranged marriages was different then I had originally imagined them, both girls had more say in who their husbands would be. I loved the school setting because it really showed how ignorant other people can be, like the other teachers, but it also showed how easy it is to explain other cultures to people, like with the children. Overall I thought the movie was very cute.
Great movie! There was an important emphasis placed on the women's choice in the arranged marriages, which is a common misconception that women are always forced into marriages. Obviously both women had a deep respect for their families' opinions but they were true to themselves as well. It was really interesting to me that even with the incredibly diverse setting in New York, the divide among the cultures was still so strong. I really loved Nasira's attitude, she was gentle but fiercely true to what she believed. I feel like she could have harnessed that will to make a much bigger difference, however. Rochel was awesome but she could have said a LOT more to the principal. The principal was arrogant and ignorant and needed someone to give her a good slap of reality. It really struck me that Rochel's little brother was so adamant in asking if the other boy was Jewish. From watching his parents and the environment he grew up in, he thought that was the deciding factor on how he should regard him. I liked this movie mostly because it got me to think about how intensely people divide each other based on religion and how important it is to teach acceptance at a young age.
ReplyDeleteArranged was interesting, it showed something most people in America currently have no idea is still happening here. It produces two feeling in myself that I can describe somewhat decently. The first being comfort, not having to worry about finding love which many sadly never do. It’s a comfort to be able to know that your future is secure. The second feeling is something that Rachael experienced the thought of nothing working out and having to choose between family and not being miserable. It has to be an awful feeling to choose to walk away. However it did work out for her in the end when she stayed. The movie felt a bit like commentary on social views. Inside and outside closed doors. I liked the movie.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Alexander
Arab 1002
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I found there were many things I was able to relate to, mainly the pressure to get married. While my culture doesn’t do arranged marriages, there does come a certain age where the family starts to worry. I have reached that age. Like with Rachel, if you are not married by a certain age you become nothing but a spinster. My younger brother is already married with children so the pressure is even heavier now to give my parents grandchildren and a wedding. Like Rachel, when I told my parents I didn’t even know if I wanted to get married, I was told that I was selfish and not thinking about the family. I will add that I was very sad when Rachel eventually got married. I was counting on her for our cause!
ReplyDeleteDanaris Madera Arab 1002
First off I want to say I loved this movie, I really connected with the characters and I am pretty sure I got really into it. A few things I noticed was at the beginning of the film it was about the conflict between the Muslims and the Jews, which also reminded me of the religious studies conference I went to and heard Youssef discuss the Jews in Morocco. This , however, was not the full idea that the film was trying to perceive. Nasira was the Muslim teacher who, despite how America and her co-workers believed, was very independent and she even said that wearing her hijab was her choice and not forced by her father. She was an actual woman and not how the media perceives Muslim woman to be.Which needs to be recognized more. Rochel also showed her own independence but I think her story was more of conflict with finding what she wants against her families pressures. She still kept with her customs but it seemed like her family couldn't really understand her during this time, Rochel even thought about leaving her family during the movie. This comes back to crossing cultures however because you see how Nasira works to help Rochel with her problems like the marriage interviews and we also see how they work together in the classroom to teach their students about unity. The other teacher who discussed her wild time skinny dipping once was more representing the lack of modesty that both Nasira and Rochel valued. Also the principal or teacher, I wasn't really sure as to what this woman was, she was more an example of how ignorance can be over come if someone just gets educated about the subject they lack information of. I thought it was amazing movie, it was very lighthearted and comedic at times while still showing their hardships. It is a movie I would recommend to others even if they didn't have any interest in the subject matter.
ReplyDeleteJonathan Chase Kerrins
2/28/2004
Arabic 1002
I really enjoyed this movie! It was nice to finally watch a movie with a happy ending. However, there are many more reason why this was a great movie. I think that in this current world climate where populations are growing and different cultures are mixing it is important to understand one another. I think this was a movie about how people of different cultures can still connect despite their different beliefs. Too many times people assume that just because you have different beliefs that you can't relate and be friends. I also learned a ton. I didn't realize how orthodox jews beliefs would intermingle with the world today and it was refreshing to see a young woman still be happy with traditional beliefs even with societal pressures. I look forward to more movies with strong female characters.
ReplyDeleteKelsi Leverett
Arabic 1002
To be honest, I really did enjoy this movie. I thought that it was very interesting to see how different yet so similar two cultures are in this case of arranged marriages. I think that it was interesting to see how these two young women dealt with the struggle between staying true to one's culture while dealing with the pressures of the modern world. Although both women seemed to end up with nice gentlemen who they seemed to be happy with, it really makes you think about all of the other men and women who have to go through, or have already gone through, an arranged marriage. Even though it is a part of their culture, this movie really highlights just one of the struggles these young ladies have to deal with living in America. I found this movie to be very insightful with a sense of humor.
ReplyDelete-Tony Hudson
1002
kenya Jeffers
ReplyDeletearabic 1002
I really enjoyed the movie. I liked how it showed the view of the women. And how it showed that we as women have our own opinions in such a male dominated society. To me this movie brought forth two main things. One being that religions are more a like then they are different and two that it is okay to be religious in America. Yes, others might find it odd or strange but you do not let your culture defind you and thats what i interrtupted from Rahos exercise with the kids in the classroom.
This movie was really enlightening to me. I like how the film shows a side of these two religions that aren't typically broadcasted and therefore lead to people developing misconceptions. Films like these could definitely expedite the process of educating the masses on different religions and cultures. The scene in school when the children thought all Muslims and Jews wanted to kill each other was an excellent representation of how so many uninformed people think. It's still astonishing to see how inconsiderate and disrespectful people can be in regards to others who may hold differing beliefs, as in the case with the principal and the teachers. Later, the principal said "inshallah" and another word in Hebrew which made it seem like she was attempting to learn more about the teachers' cultures. I'm glad this movie ended on a positive note. All in all, it was an informative and entertaining film.
ReplyDeleteAbdullah Arabic 3030
Finally a happy ending!!!!! I really enjoyed this movie. I loved how it showed how influential kids are and I loved how the teachers handled the situation of how the kids thought they couldn't be friends. I loved how it show both women's perspective and how their religion is, and how they respected each others religion and beliefs. I thought it was so sweet how the girl was able to get the guys information for the match maker so that Rachel was able to meet him =). I also loved how they stuck together against all the stereotypes and such, which goes to show that we are all not that different from each other. All in all a very good movie!
ReplyDeleteAmira Arabic 3030
Nardja Arabic 1001
ReplyDeleteThe movie was very interesting to me because it showed American negative views on religions that are not represented correctly and how it affected the way the principal looked at the two women. It brings forward the problems of not accepting ones culture into your own even though you may have different viewpoints. The two women did not have a problem with each other's religious belief but it seemed like everyone else did and if the women were happy with their friendship or relationship choices, then people should just accept it. What stood out to me the most was how the movie shown that some women have a bigger role than many would think within an arranged marriage. The women would not stop choosing different men until they were for sure that they found the right one, regardless of what way they were going to do it.
Langston Middleton 3030
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent film not only because it was well written and executed, but it had a very important message. As a society we focus on the difference between people. I for one, did not know that Orthodox Jews did arranged marriages, so it was very interesting seeing the concept applied to a group that is not usually associated with. The friendship of Rachel and Nasira families added a very nice element to the story because they highlighted not only the pressure put on them by their families, but by their whole communities. The driving point of the movie is that everyone deserves to choose the person they marry regardless of gender, race, religion, or social status. Also, it was nice to see a happy ending for once.
The thing that had stuck out to me the most about, “Arranged” was really the bond between Rochel and Nasira. The fact that they had come from two completely different backgrounds and them becoming best friends in the end is not something expected in the real world. It definitely seemed as if fate had brought them together. By looking at Rochel’s family you could see how her mom much preferred to keep her sheltered at home but Rochel kept fighting to break away and be free but while also wanting to respect her family and by meeting Nasira she was able to do that. Nasira really was the one behind Rochel’s true happiness in the end. If Nasira’s father wasn’t as “hands off” as he was, Rochel would have never been able to meet her husband in the end. With Nasira being able to have more say so in her life Rochel wouldn’t have been able to honor her family while also being with a man she truly loved.
ReplyDeletei thoroughly enjoyed this movie. At first, I had my apprehensions about it, however when I saw how both the protagonists were also apprehensive to their own cultural practices I was more at ease. I thought the film may have been exaggerated somewhat here and there with regards to stereotyping, but only just so. The sad part is that they really did not have to exaggerate the racial profiling too extensively, it was and is already that bad. I was glad to see the other side of the practice of arranged marriages however, In common opinion, we oftentimes picture arranged marriages as some poor unfortunate woman being forced to marry some evil, fat slob because her father or family said so. The reality of the situation is that it is a complicated sometimes controversial practice that is based off of cultural practices and religious beliefs.
ReplyDeleteTyler Reeves