 |
| Hilarity and cultural differences take a back seat to love, peace and understanding as David (David Moscow) proposes a toast to Layla (Shiva Rose) in Jay Jonroy’s new comedy, David & Layla, a Newroz Films Release. |
The theory of opposites attract is put to the ultimate test in this modern-day romantic comedy. Taking a cue from Romeo and Juliet, David & Layla, which opens today for a limited engagement exclusively at the Glenwood Arts, breaks down the stereotypical barriers imposed by ignorance and misunderstanding of two of the world's oldest monotheistic religions — Judaism and Islam. The focus is instead placed upon those admirable traits that unite us as human beings.
David Fine (David Moscow) is a nice Jewish boy from Manhattan. He proudly wears a Star of David around his neck. He hosts a public-access cable television show titled “Sex & Happiness.” His latest topic is the correlation between spicy foods and sexual pleasure. While conducting street interviews in Brooklyn, David is mesmerized when a strikingly beautiful woman walks down the street. Is it love or lust at first sight? This mysterious stranger turns out to be Layla (Shiva Rose, real-life wife of Dylan McDermott from “The Practice”). She is a Kurdish Muslim refugee whose whirling dervish exotic dancing is the opening act preceding a belly dancer. She lives with her aunt and uncle, but has a life-altering problem with immigration. Having an expired visa, she is given 30 days to either marry a U. S. citizen or be deported. Her relatives have picked out for her a wealthy, middle-aged Muslim doctor. Layla, however, is attracted to David. Their whirlwind courtship is full of hijinks and shenanigans as they overcome monumental cultural hurdles.
Writer, director and producer Jay Jonroy shows that laughter has a way of opening the mind to an appreciation of cultural differences and developing an understanding of basic human rights. Your affection for this couple grows over the course of the film. Moscow's character changes before your eyes from a shallow, cocky and lustful individual to a caring humanitarian willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for love. Moscow has the physical comedy shtick down pat. Rose in a breakthrough, star-making performance is the glue that holds this all together. You are immediately attracted to her beauty and charming personality. She goes beyond the stereotype of a traditional Muslim woman by drinking alcohol, dancing and exposing her face, hands and arms. The varied musical score ranges from melodic Middle Eastern and Kurdish to Jewish klezmer and American jazz. The colorful costumes, traditional foods and varied camera techniques contrast David's hectic lifestyle with Layla's slower-paced, Old World existence. The cinematography takes you on a sightseeing tour of many attractions in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Jewish and Muslim neighborhoods have distinctive characteristics, including food-sanctification regulations (kosher versus halal). The movie is not all sweetness and light, but has a serious side with references to Saddam's chemical warfare and the mass graves resulting from the genocide of Kurds in 1988.
Some of the funniest and tenderest moments occur during a Passover seder. While sitting around the festive dining room table, David's mother, Judith, (Polly Adams) father, Mel, (Peter Van Wagner) and younger brother, Woody, (Will Janowitz) will have you in stitches. Several familiar Jewish refrains and passages read from the Haggadah will bring instant recognition. The song “Hava Nagila” plays a part in the wedding celebration. Be sure to listen closely to the Kurdish poem about the blind, the deaf and the mute, which captures the essence of the film. Your eyes, ears and nose will experience a newfound appreciation of the things we too often take for granted. The movie concludes with a plea for the liberation of all the Laylas of the world who are oppressed by men, religion and oil money.
Let's call for a ceasefire in the hostilities in the Middle East, require all combatants to take a 108-minute break and watch this movie. A perfect companion piece to the Oscar-winning short film “West Bank Story.” This movie is rated R. Due to the language, overt sexual acts and drug usage, it is strictly for mature audiences. It merits my hearty, must-see endorsement as a good film (3 out of a possible 4 stars).
Keith D. Cohen