Watch Keeping the Faith
- PG-13
- 2000
- 2 hr 8 min
-
6.4 (53,486)
Keeping the Faith is a romantic comedy that explores the turbulent love triangle between three childhood friends: a rabbi named Jake Schram (Ben Stiller), a priest named Brian Finn (Edward Norton), and their mutual friend Anna Riley (Jenna Elfman). Set in New York City, the movie blends humor with themes of faith, doubt, and the complexities of modern relationships.
The movie opens with a flashback to the trio's childhood, where they playfully debate about the existence of God. Fast forward several decades, and we see that Jake and Brian have pursued careers in different religions, with Jake becoming a rabbi and Brian a Catholic priest. Meanwhile, Anna has moved away to Los Angeles and become a successful businesswoman.
Despite the distance and their divergent paths, the three remain in contact and are reunited when Anna returns to New York on a business trip. Sparks fly between Anna and Jake, who had always harbored feelings for her. However, their romance is complicated by Jake's commitment to his faith, which forbids him from dating a non-Jewish woman.
Meanwhile, Brian is struggling with his own crisis of faith. He is passionate about his vocation but is wrestling with doubts and frustrations, particularly over the limitations placed on his personal life by his celibacy vow. His friendship with Jake helps him to navigate these challenges, but there are tensions between them due to their opposing religious beliefs.
As Anna and Jake's relationship deepens, they navigate the challenges of keeping their love alive despite their religious differences. Meanwhile, Brian grapples with his own romantic feelings for Anna, as well as the ethical concerns raised by his role as a spiritual leader.
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in Keeping the Faith, particularly in scenes where Jake and Brian attempt to navigate the trials and tribulations of modern dating. However, the movie also delves into deeper themes of faith and doubt, exploring the ways in which religious convictions can both inspire and limit individuals.
The pacing of the movie is strong, keeping the viewer engaged and invested in the romantic entanglements of the characters. The chemistry between Stiller, Norton, and Elfman is palpable, with each actor bringing a distinct charm to their respective roles. Additionally, the setting of New York City adds a layer of energy and vibrancy to the film, with iconic landmarks and bustling streets providing a backdrop for the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Overall, Keeping the Faith is a charming and entertaining movie that balances humor and heart with themes of faith, doubt, and the complexities of modern relationships. It is a feel-good comedy with a message that encourages viewers to embrace their beliefs, whether religious or otherwise, and to pursue love with an open heart and a willingness to compromise.
Keeping the Faith is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 60.