Disobedience (2017) is a compelling story that delves into the themes of faith, love, and the struggle for personal freedom.
This blog post is dedicated to exploring the world of Disobedience, from its origin as a novel to its adaptation into a critically acclaimed film.
I’ll be covering various aspects of the story, including book and film summaries, key characters, and setting, as well as diving into the world of cosplay, trivia, and more!
Book Summary: Exploring the World of Disobedience
Disobedience, a novel written by British author Naomi Alderman, was first published in 2006.
The story revolves around Ronit Krushka, a woman who returns to her Orthodox Jewish community in London following the death of her father, a revered rabbi.
Upon her return, Ronit is confronted with the life she left behind and the secrets that have been kept from her.
As Ronit reconnects with her childhood friend Esti Kuperman, she is forced to confront her feelings for her and the truth about their past.
The book delves into themes of love, religion, and personal freedom, challenging the expectations and restrictions placed on individuals by their communities and families.
Disobedience is a powerful exploration of what it means to be true to oneself in the face of societal pressure and the consequences of breaking free from the bonds of tradition.
Film Summary: Adapting Disobedience for the Screen
The film adaptation of Disobedience, released in 2017 and directed by Sebastián Lelio, stars Rachel Weisz as Ronit, Rachel McAdams as Esti, and Alessandro Nivola as Dovid Kuperman, Esti’s husband.
The screenplay was co-written by Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz, and the film has garnered critical acclaim for its powerful performances, compelling storytelling, and sensitive exploration of themes present in the novel.
Similar to the book, the film follows Ronit’s journey back to her Orthodox Jewish community and her rekindling of a forbidden romance with Esti.
The film adaptation stays true to the heart of the novel while adding its unique visual flair and cinematic touch to the story.
Key Characters: Who’s Who in Disobedience
- Ronit Krushka: The protagonist of the story, Ronit is a woman who returns to her Orthodox Jewish community in London after her father’s death. She struggles with her identity and the expectations placed upon her as she reconnects with her past.
- Esti Kuperman: Ronit’s childhood friend and secret lover, Esti is now married to Dovid Kuperman. She is devoted to her faith and community but grapples with her hidden desires and feelings for Ronit.
- Dovid Kuperman: Esti’s husband and a respected member of the community, Dovid is poised to take over as the new rabbi after Ronit’s father’s death. He is torn between his love for Esti and his loyalty to his faith, leading to internal struggles throughout the story.
- Rebbetzin Goldfarb: A key figure in the community and a mentor to Esti, Rebbetzin Goldfarb represents the expectations and traditions that both Ronit and Esti must navigate throughout the story.
The Parent’s Guide to Disobedience
Disobedience is a complex and thought-provoking story that delves into themes of love, faith, and personal freedom.
Due to its mature content, including sexual scenes and strong language, it is recommended for parents to consider the film’s suitability for their children.
The movie is rated R, and the novel contains similar content that may not be appropriate for younger readers.
As a parent, it is essential to engage in open conversations with your children about the themes explored in Disobedience, creating a space for them to ask questions, share their thoughts, and develop an understanding of the challenges faced by the characters.
Setting the Scene: When and Where Disobedience Takes Place
Disobedience primarily takes place in an Orthodox Jewish community in Hendon, a suburb of London.
The story unfolds in the present day, with flashbacks to Ronit and Esti’s adolescence.
The setting is integral to the story, as it is the foundation for the religious and cultural expectations that shape the lives of the characters.
The community in Disobedience is characterized by its strict adherence to traditional Jewish customs and practices, creating a world that is both familiar and foreign to Ronit upon her return.
The novel and film effectively capture the tight-knit nature of the community, showcasing the beauty and challenges of living within its confines.
Uncovering Film Locations: Where Disobedience was Filmed
While the story of Disobedience is set in London, the film adaptation was primarily shot in and around Dublin, Ireland.
The production team transformed various locations in Dublin to create the world of the Orthodox Jewish community featured in the story.
Some of the key locations include:
- Synagogue scenes: Filmed at Terenure Synagogue in Dublin, the production team worked closely with local Jewish communities to ensure the accuracy of the setting and rituals depicted in the film.
- Ronit’s father’s house: The exterior of the house was filmed in Dublin’s suburb of Crumlin, while the interior scenes were shot at a different location.
- Dovid and Esti’s home: The home of Dovid and Esti was filmed in a suburban Dublin neighborhood, effectively capturing the essence of the Hendon community portrayed in the novel.
Where to watch ‘Disobedience’ – streaming, download and DVD options
‘Disobedience’ is currently available to stream on various online platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Netflix.
The movie is also available on DVD and Blu-ray; nice idea for a gift to a ‘Disobedience’s fan.
Memorable Quotes from Disobedience
Disobedience is filled with powerful quotes that capture the essence of the story and its themes.
Here are some of my favorites:
- “May you live a long life.” – This traditional Jewish blessing is said throughout the film, highlighting the importance of community and tradition.
- “I was never really religious. I was just frightened.” – Ronit’s confession to Esti demonstrates the pressure and expectations placed upon her by her community.
- “I’m free.” – Esti’s declaration of her newfound freedom and personal growth.
The Soundtrack by Matthew Herbert: Adding Depth to the Story
The music in Disobedience, composed by Matthew Herbert, adds another layer of emotion to the story.
The soundtrack is a haunting and beautiful accompaniment to the film’s visuals, capturing the internal struggles of the characters and the atmosphere of the Orthodox Jewish community.
With its mix of traditional and modern elements, the music in Disobedience brings depth and complexity to the story and its themes.
‘Disobedience’ screenplay by Sebastián Lelio, Rebecca Lenkiewicz, analysis, and where to download it
Sebastián Lelio, Rebecca Lenkiewicz wrote the screenplay for Sebastián Lelio’s Disobedience, and he does an excellent job of bringing the story to life on the big screen.
While there were some changes made to accommodate the format of a movie, the screenplay does a good job of capturing the essence of the story.
The screenplay is available for download online, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting or movie-making.
It provides insight into Sebastián Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s creative process and their approach to storytelling.
Curiosities and Trivia Surrounding Disobedience
- Author Naomi Alderman grew up in an Orthodox Jewish community in London, similar to the one depicted in Disobedience. She has said that the novel was inspired in part by her experiences and observations of the world around her.
- Rachel Weisz, who stars as Ronit in the film adaptation, also served as a producer on the project. She was instrumental in securing the rights to the novel and bringing the story to the screen.
- Disobedience marks the first collaboration between director Sebastián Lelio and actress Rachel McAdams.
- The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and went on to receive critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing like Your Favorite Characters
For those interested in cosplay or dressing up as their favorite characters from Disobedience, here are some tips and ideas to help you capture the essence of Ronit, Esti, Dovid, and Rebbetzin Goldfarb:
- Ronit Krushka: To dress like Ronit, opt for a more modern and casual wardrobe. Choose items like jeans, simple blouses, and leather jackets. For accessories, consider a camera to reflect her profession as a photographer and a simple necklace as a nod to her character.
- Esti Kuperman: Esti’s style is more conservative and traditional, reflecting her Orthodox Jewish background. Look for modest dresses or skirts that fall below the knee, paired with stockings or tights and closed-toe shoes. A headscarf or wig is essential to complete the look, as married Orthodox women are required to cover their hair.
- Dovid Kuperman: To emulate Dovid’s style, choose traditional Orthodox Jewish attire such as a black suit, white shirt, and black hat. Don’t forget a beard and payot (side curls) to complete the look.
- Rebbetzin Goldfarb: Dressing like Rebbetzin Goldfarb requires a more formal and conservative wardrobe. Opt for long dresses or skirts, paired with a blouse or jacket. A headscarf or wig is necessary for this character as well.
Gadgets and collectibles related to ‘Disobedience’
If you’re a fan of ‘Disobedience’, there are several gadgets and collectibles that you may be interested in, such as action figures, posters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.
These items make great gifts for fans of the book or movie.
Video Games Inspired by Disobedience
While there are no video games specifically based on Disobedience, the themes explored in the story are present in various games.
Games that explore themes of love, personal freedom, and identity could be a natural fit for fans of Disobedience.
Some games that come to mind include:
- Life is Strange: This episodic game follows the story of a teenage girl who discovers she has the power to rewind time. The game explores themes of friendship, love, and personal growth.
- Gone Home: Set in the mid-90s, this game follows the story of a young woman who returns home to her family’s house after a year abroad. As she explores the empty house, she uncovers secrets and learns more about her family’s past.
- Firewatch: This game is set in the Wyoming wilderness and follows the story of a fire lookout who becomes embroiled in a mystery. The game explores themes of loneliness, connection, and personal growth.
Naomi Alderman: Biography and Literary Works
Naomi Alderman, the author of Disobedience, is a British author and game designer.
She has written several critically acclaimed novels, including The Power, winner of the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2017.
Alderman is also known for her work in video game design, including the alternate reality game Perplex City.
Alderman’s writing often explores themes of power, identity, and personal freedom, making her work a natural fit for fans of Disobedience.
Explaining the ending of Disobedience
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
The ending of Disobedience is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the story.
After years of living within the confines of their community, Ronit and Esti finally break free and leave together.
As they walk down the street, they are met with stares and disapproval from their former community members.
The ending is a bittersweet conclusion to the story.
While Ronit and Esti have found freedom and love, they have also left behind their families and community.
The ending is a testament to the power of personal choice and the consequences that come with breaking free from tradition.
When does ‘Disobedience 2’ come out ? Sequel updates
Given the huge success of ‘Disobedience 2’, we are all waiting for the release date of the sequel or the announcement of a spin-off of the movie.
They do that about anything now, I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it about Disobedience.
In recent months, some statements by Sebastián Lelio and Rachel Weisz hint at an imminent date on the release of ‘Disobedience 2’, and we will keep you updated as soon as we have a firm date.
While waiting for the official release of Disobedience’ new chapter, you could relive the emotions and mood of the movie by reading the book ‘Disobedience’ or Naomi Alderman’s other books.
Director’s Spotlight: Other Films by Sebastián Lelio
Sebastián Lelio, the director of the film adaptation of Disobedience, is a Chilean filmmaker known for his sensitive and powerful portrayals of complex characters.
In addition to Disobedience, Lelio has directed several other critically acclaimed films, including:
- Gloria: A film about a middle-aged woman who reclaims her independence and sexuality after a divorce.
- A Fantastic Woman: A film about a transgender woman who must navigate discrimination and grief after the death of her partner.
- Gloria Bell: A remake of his film Gloria, starring Julianne Moore as the titular character.
Lelio’s films often explore themes of personal freedom and identity, making his work a natural fit for fans of Disobedience.
Similar Films and Books to Disobedience: Expanding Your Collection
If you enjoyed Disobedience, there are several other films and books that explore similar themes and ideas.
Here are some recommendations to check out:
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: A dystopian novel that explores themes of power, oppression, and personal freedom.
- Moonlight directed by Barry Jenkins: A film about a young man grappling with his identity and sexuality in a world that doesn’t understand him.
- Orlando by Virginia Woolf: A novel about a young man who transforms into a woman and explores themes of gender, identity, and personal freedom.
In Memoriam: Remembering the Characters Who Die in Disobedience
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Disobedience is a story that deals with loss and grief.
Two characters, Ronit’s father and Esti’s mother, pass away during the course of the story. Their deaths have a significant impact on the characters and the story’s themes of personal freedom and the consequences of breaking free from tradition.
While their deaths are tragic, they serve as a catalyst for the events of the story and the growth of the characters.
Their memory is a reminder of the power of family and community and the sacrifices that come with breaking free from tradition.
Conclusion
Disobedience is a powerful and emotional story that explores themes of love, faith, and personal freedom.
From its origins as a novel to its adaptation into a critically acclaimed film, Disobedience has captured the hearts of readers and viewers alike.
With its complex characters, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, Disobedience is a story that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of the book, the film, or both, the world of Disobedience is a rich and rewarding one to explore.