In The Secrets, a film directed by Avi
Nesher, we enter the world of Orthodox girls studying at a seminary. One student, Naomi,
the intellectual daughter of a prominent Yeshiva director, dreams of being a
learned Rabbi instead of a dutiful orthodox wife — the future to which she seems
destined.
The school is a devout and lively place where the girls embrace
religious life and friendship with equal passion. Suddenly things change when a
mysterious French woman, Anouk (the famous French actress, Fanny Ardant) living
nearby is befriended by Naomi. This older woman is seriously ill and guilty of
a heinous crime, but Naomi tries to help her by being her spiritual guide in a
serious of rituals designed by Naomi to purge Anouk of her sins.
This film
explores the questions of religious intolerance and sexual politics in the
orthodox community in a charming,sensitive and gentle
manner.