Synopsis
Inspired by actual events in the late nineties when Hasidic Jews were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe into the United States.
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Cast
- Jesse EisenbergSam Gold
- Justin BarthaYosef Zimmerman
- Danny A. AbeckaserJackie Solomon
- Ari GraynorRachel Apfel
- Jason FuchsLeon Zimmerman
- Charlie HewsonAndrew (The Goy)
- Elizabeth MarvelElka Gold
- Hallie EisenbergRuth Gold
- Bern CohenRebbe Horowitz
- Stella KeitelZeldy Lazar
Recommendations
- 70
Movieline
The problem is that just as we’re getting to know these characters as people, the movie pulls a veil over them: It loses its nerve and mutates into an only mildly compelling crime drama, albeit one whose protagonist is maybe more tortured than usual. - 70
NPR
Eisenberg lets us see Sam's growing distress, and also the fortitude with which he faces down his fears -- few young actors are as adept at simultaneously conveying panic and bravado. - 60
Boxoffice Magazine
Holy Rollers is mostly a marker being put down by some talents to watch, especially Eisenberg, who is greater than fans of "Zombieland" could have imagined. - 60
New York Magazine (Vulture)
Holy Rollers fuses a somber, old-world palette with a jittery urban unease--a good mix of tones. It’s also wonderfully acted. - 60
Time Out
It’s gratifying to see Eisenberg move past nerdy-cutie parts; his slim shoulders, it seems, are capable of handling more than Michael Cera’s leftovers. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
Holy Rollers squanders a fascinating premise with predictable execution. - 50
Variety
Asch's first feature is intelligent, respectable yet curiously muted in tone and impact, never fully catching the viewer up in either its crime saga or its account of individual rebellion within an insular religious community. - 50
Village Voice
Failing to generate either excitement as a crime story or credibility as a morality play, the film ultimately confirms the traditional values that helped push its confused lead to the brink of damnation in the first place.
