Watch Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem

Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that examines the intricacies of marriage, divorce, and legal procedure in contemporary Israeli society. The film, which was released in 2014 and directed by siblings Ronit Elkabetz and Shlomi Elkabetz, stars Ronit Elkabetz in the titular role of Viviane Amsalem, a woman who has been trying to obtain a divorce from her husband, Elisha (Simon Abkarian), for three years.

The movie is set entirely within the confines of a courtroom, where Viviane's case is being heard by a panel of three judges. The proceedings are often intense and emotionally charged, as Viviane and Elisha argue over the reasons for their divorce and the specific terms of their separation. Tensions rise as Elisha, who is religiously observant, refuses to grant Viviane a divorce unless she agrees to certain conditions, including custody of their children and a financial settlement that he deems fair.

The film is shot almost entirely in close-up, with the camera often trained on the characters' faces as they speak. This creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy that draws the viewer into the drama and allows them to empathize with Viviane's struggle. The performances by Elkabetz and Abkarian are both nuanced and powerful, and the supporting cast, including Gabi Amrani as Viviane's lawyer, provide strong support.

One of the central themes of the film is the tension between tradition and modernity, as Viviane and Elisha's divorce proceedings are complicated by both their religious and cultural beliefs. Viviane, who has become disillusioned with Elisha after years of emotional and physical abuse, wants to move on with her life and start anew. Elisha, however, is unwilling to let go of their marriage and sees divorce as a failure on his part as a husband and father.

Another key element of the film is its exploration of the legal system and the difficulties that women face in obtaining divorces in Israel. In Israel, marriage and divorce are governed by religious law, which means that different religious communities have their own laws and procedures for dealing with these issues. This can create significant hurdles for women, who often find themselves at a disadvantage in divorce proceedings, particularly if they are not religiously observant or do not have a strong support network.

The film also touches on broader social issues, including the role of women in Israeli society and the growing divide between secular and religious communities. While Viviane is secular and views her divorce as an opportunity for personal liberation, Elisha represents a more conservative viewpoint that values tradition and stability. The tension between these two perspectives is at the heart of the movie's drama.

Overall, Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem is a beautifully made and emotionally resonant film that raises important questions about marriage, divorce, and the role of women in contemporary Israeli society. The tight focus on the courtroom proceedings and the excellent performances by the cast create a sense of intensity and urgency that drives the narrative forward. While the film can be difficult to watch at times due to its unflinching portrayal of emotional abuse, it ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 90.