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29 Jan – 8 Feb 2026

A Price Above Rubies

Boaz Yakin | USA | 1998 | 116' | | IFFR 1999

‘Life is neatly laid out for her. A nice position beside her diligently studying husband, who may one day be the new rabbi. A baby makes their happiness complete. But Sonja feels more and more hemmed in by her role as dutiful wife to a man who buries himself in the Talmud. A first sensational step in that orthodox Jewish environment in Brooklyn is a job as right-hand man to her brother-in-law, the jeweller Sender. With her haircut and her clothing, her attitude changes too. She allows herself to be seduced by her brother-in-law and doesn’t let anyone tie her in any more. Her difficult quest for personal freedom cuts the ground from under her, but eventually opens the eyes of others too. Boaz Yakin again reveals himself to be an excellent storyteller. Against a sensitive and authentic-looking background, he lets his protagonist acquire stature in low-profile scenes.’ Erik Koch, de Telegraaf

Film details

Country of production
USA
Year
1998
Festival edition
IFFR 1999
Length
116"
Medium/Format
35mm

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