Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem (2014)

For two decades, Viviane and Elisha Amsalem have been entwined in a marriage of stark contrasts and conflicting values. Viviane, a woman who lives a largely secular existence, finds herself at odds with Elisha, a man steeped in the devout traditions of Judaism. Their chasm widens to such an extent that Viviane leaves home for her sister's abode, longing for a life freed from a loveless marriage. In Israel, where religious law reigns supreme, marriage and divorce are the exclusive domain of rabbis, and a divorce, or 'gett,' can only be granted with the husband's consent. Viviane, now a self-supporting hairdresser, lives a paradoxical existence where she continues her familial duties from a distance, preparing meals for Elisha and their son, all while seeking to dissolve the marital bonds that still shackle her. However, her plea for freedom is met with Elisha's stubborn refusal, turning her quest for liberation into a relentless pursuit stretching over three grueling years. The denial of her request exposes the stark reality of their society, where love's disappearance and incompatibility do not warrant a divorce, and the male-dominated culture, firmly rooted in religious beliefs, holds sway. As the trial drags on, it reveals more than just the intricacies of the Amsalem's marriage. Elisha's cold intransigence battles against Viviane's resolute determination, and the courtroom transforms into a microcosm of their society, where the personal becomes tragically absurd, and the power dynamics are laid bare. In this procedural tug of war, everything but Viviane's initial plea is brought to judgement, painting a poignant tale of a woman's fight for her freedom in a world that refuses to acknowledge her right to it.

Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem is a drama movie featuring Ronit Elkabetz and directed by Shlomi Elkabetz.

Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla and OVID.

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