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Holy Rollers
2010 89 min United States of America R 16+
★6.1
Drama
Director: Kevin Asch
Trailers
Description
Inspired by actual events in the late nineties when Hasidic Jews were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe into the United States.
US Gross:
$303,064
Worldwide:
$744,000
Starring
Jesse Eisenberg
Actor
Justin Bartha
Actor
Danny A. Abeckaser
Actor
Awards
Sundance Film Festival 2010
— Grand Jury Prize (Drama)
Key opinion
Holy Rollers is a crime drama that draws praise for its unique premise and compelling lead performance. However, critics are split on the film's execution, with some finding it a thoughtful look at its insular community while others argue it lacks the necessary grit and emotional stakes to fully succeed.
| Acting | Jesse Eisenberg provides a strong, anchoring performance as a naive young man drawn into a criminal lifestyle. | |
| Humor | The film effectively utilizes a light, ironic tone that rewards observant viewers. | |
| Screenplay | Critics are divided on the film's tone; some appreciate the ironical, easy-watching style, while others criticize the approach as overly softened and lacking in authentic, dramatic stakes. | |
| Theme | Opinions on thematic depth vary; some see it as a multilayered portrayal of a Brooklyn Jewish community, while others feel it fails to achieve the emotional depth or cultural density expected of its subject matter. |