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Lauren Ambrose and Adam Kaufman in "Loving Leah"
courtesy of Hallmark Hall of Fame
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“Loving Leah” (Hallmark Hall of Fame)
“Loving Leah,” which is this month’s “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentation, is a movie that takes some time getting into; but once there it is a charming and entertaining film. Lauren Ambrose and Adam Kaufman star as two people caught up in a very unlikely and unbelievable situation. It takes a leap of faith to accept the premise of the story but these two actors are able to convince you of the sincerity of their characters.
Jake (Kaufman) is a cardiologist living in Washington, DC when he gets word his brother Ben has died. Ben was a Rabbi in a group of Chassidic Jews living in Brooklyn, New York. Jake heads down for the funeral accompanied by his mother (Mercedes Ruehl).
Ben’s widow is a young woman named Leah (Lauren Ambrose). She and Ben’s marriage had been “arranged” and now that Ben is dead Jake is expected to marry Leah. That is unless she is pregnant and in that case Jake is off the hook. But Leah isn’t pregnant and so Jake has to decide whether to reject the call to marry or to go through with the “wedding.”
How things progress from there make up the heart of the story. It is a sweet love story that moves from point A to point B with compassion for the couple growing at every turn. The amazing aspect of the story is that there is a group known as Chassidics who do practice this aspect of their religion. Their faith is strong and the people involved in this belief obey the laws of their religion.
Jake and Leah are two people who have to come to terms with this requirement and the way they handle it is enlightening and impressive. Never are the characters or the religion held up to ridicule in any way.
Ambrose and Kaufman are practically perfect in their roles with Ambrose being luminous in her beauty and her actions. She is so sincere and so tender in her portrayal that you wish there would be a “Loving Leah 2, 3 and 4.” And in this case the pairing of Kaufman and Ambrose presents the viewer with a perfect blend of actors in their roles.
“Loving Leah” is a romantic movie that warms the heart and the mind. Supporting cast members Ruehl, Susie Essman, Ricki Lake and Harris Yulin add to the overall perfection of the way the story is presented.
These are two big hits in a row for the “Hallmark Hall of Fame.” First they gave us “Front of the Class” and now this one.
Tune in to the “Hallmark Hall of Fame” production of “Loving Leah” on Sunday, January 25 at 9PM. |
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©2009 Jackie K. Cooper |
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