Holy Rollers
Holy Rollers

Movie spotlight

Holy Rollers

2010
Movie
89 min
English

Inspired by actual events in the late nineties when Hasidic Jews were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe into the United States.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes45%
Metacritic50/100
Google Users64%
Director: Kevin AschGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Sam Gold, a young Hasidic Jewish man from an insular Brooklyn community, feels stifled by his religious obligations and a lack of career prospects. Drawn by the allure of fast money and a more exciting life, he agrees to become a drug mule for a powerful ecstasy trafficking ring. As he gets deeper into the dangerous underworld, Sam struggles to maintain his religious identity and conceal his activities from his disapproving family and his devout girlfriend.

Critical Reception

Holy Rollers received a mixed to positive reception from critics. Many praised Jesse Eisenberg's performance and the film's exploration of the clash between religious tradition and modern temptation. However, some critics found the narrative predictable or felt it didn't fully explore the complexities of its themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Jesse Eisenberg's compelling lead performance.

  • The film effectively portrays the internal conflict between religious life and criminal enterprise.

  • Some reviews noted a somewhat formulaic plot progression.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be engaging, with many appreciating Jesse Eisenberg's role. Some viewers felt the plot could have been more original, but the performances and themes were often highlighted as strengths.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a true story of Hasidic Jews involved in drug trafficking in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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