Orthodox
A Jewish boy takes up boxing as a means of self-defense, alienating himself from his religious community. When Shannon offers Benjamin a way to make easy money, he faces a stark choice that sends him hurtling towards a personal hell.
1963, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
1 October 1950, London, England, UK
3 June 1975, Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England, UK
4 October 1953, Hertfordshire, England, UK
1988, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
February 18, 2016
Stephen Graham is ever reliable as Benjamin, a bare-knuckle boxer and family man who provides muscle and criminal favours for Shannon, an Irish consigliere to the local orthodox Jewish mafia.
February 17, 2016
There is undoubtedly a lot to be admired about Orthodox, but you can't help but feel somewhat underwhelmed considering the potentially compelling premise, and the impressive cast assembled to present it.
February 21, 2016
Only the arbitrary twists come as any real surprise, and even those are mostly geared towards the film's single-minded mission of assuring you that life is a meaningless nightmare of suffering, whichever god you happen to kneel before.
February 18, 2016
It's absurd material, very obviously overstretched, beyond breaking point, from its origins as a short. But Graham is as watchable as always, even when working with this tattered script.
February 15, 2016
Stephen Graham and Michael Smiley are both strong presences in this gloomy, atmospheric drama.
