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Directed by
Ronit Elkabetz
Made by
Music Box Films
Discover the intricate plot of Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Viviane Amsalem, portrayed by Ronit Elkabetz, has spent more than twenty years in marriage with her husband, Elisha, played by Simon Abkarian. Seeking her independence, Viviane approaches a religious court to obtain a gett, as the couple has been living apart and she no longer wishes to remain married to him. Despite Elisha’s hope for reconciliation and his request for her to return home, the court of rabbis mandates a trial reunion for the pair, which Viviane endeavors to undertake.
As time passes, her attempts to make the marriage work are overshadowed by deep-seated discord, prompting her to firmly stand for separation and initiating the divorce trial. Over several years, Viviane’s quest for freedom becomes increasingly strenuous, with Elisha consistently stalling the process. While he attempts to present himself as a dedicated husband and devout individual, testimonies from witnesses uncover a different story—revealing Elisha’s vengefulness and Viviane’s long-standing discontent in their relationship.
Tensions escalate when Elisha’s brother, who serves as his representative, claims that Viviane’s lawyer, Carmel, harbors feelings for her, igniting a feud between the two brothers. As Elisha seeks to evade more court appearances, he is ultimately held in contempt of court. After much back-and-forth, he reluctantly agrees to end the marriage only if the rabbinical panel mandates it. Yet, even when the panel intervenes, he refuses to consent to the divorce.
After a while, Viviane and Elisha make their way back to court, having seemingly reached a divorce agreement. Witnesses gather to sign the gett, and the rabbis present the document to Elisha, instructing him to hand it to Viviane. However, during the proceedings, Elisha falters, hesitating to declare that Viviane is free to pursue other relationships. This results in the couple being ejected from the court.
In a desperate last plea, Elisha requests a private moment with Viviane, proposing that he will grant her the divorce if she vows never to engage with another man. After some reflection, Viviane makes the promise, leading them back to the courtroom to finally complete their divorce proceedings.
Track the key events of Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Viviane's Decision
After more than twenty years of marriage, Viviane Amsalem decides to pursue her independence by seeking a divorce. She approaches a religious court to obtain a *gett*, signaling her desire to end her estranged marriage with Elisha.
Elisha's Reaction
Elisha Amsalem, Viviane's husband, is initially hopeful for reconciliation. He requests Viviane to return home, demonstrating his unwillingness to accept her decision and marking the onset of their contentious legal battle.
Court Mandates Reunion
The religious court intervenes, insisting on a trial reunion for Viviane and Elisha. This intervention reflects the court's attempts to salvage the marriage, oblivious to the ongoing discord and Viviane's deep dissatisfaction.
Struggles with Reunion
Viviane finds herself struggling during the trial reunion as tensions rise and their relationship becomes increasingly strained. Despite her efforts, it becomes evident that Elisha's intentions are not aligned with her quest for freedom.
Commencement of Divorce Trial
Following ongoing difficulties in the reunion attempts, Viviane officially initiates the divorce trial. This marks a significant turning point in her journey as she stands firm in her desire for separation from Elisha.
Elisha's Stalling Tactics
Over the span of several years, Elisha actively stalls the divorce process, showcasing a reluctance to fully let go of the marriage. His actions create ongoing frustration for Viviane, who seeks a resolution.
Unraveling Testimonies
During the trial, testimonies from various witnesses reveal Elisha's vengeful character and Viviane's long-standing dissatisfaction in the marriage. This stark contrast challenges Elisha's facade of a devoted husband.
Brotherly Conflict
Tensions escalate further when Elisha's brother accuses Viviane's lawyer, Carmel, of harboring feelings for her. This personal feud adds a new layer of conflict to the ongoing divorce proceedings.
Contempt of Court
Elisha's continued avoidance of court appearances leads to him being held in contempt of court. This legal repercussion highlights his struggle to face the inevitable dissolution of their marriage.
Conditional Agreement
Eventually, under pressure, Elisha agrees to the divorce only if the rabbinical panel mandates it. This moment captures his reluctance and the tension that remains between the couple.
Return to Court
Viviane and Elisha return to court with what seems to be a divorce agreement. Witnesses gather, and the rabbis present the *gett*, preparing to finalize the long-awaited divorce.
Elisha's Hesitation
As the final steps proceed, Elisha hesitates to pronounce Viviane free to move on. His reluctance leads to frustration and ultimately results in them being ejected from the court.
Final Plea
In a desperate moment, Elisha requests a private conversation with Viviane. He offers her the divorce on the condition that she promises never to engage with another man, showcasing his controlling nature.
The Promise
After much contemplation, Viviane makes the promise to Elisha to refrain from other relationships. This agreement is pivotal, reflecting the emotional and psychological compromises involved in their divorce struggle.
Completion of Divorce Proceedings
With the promise made, Viviane and Elisha return to the courtroom to finalize the divorce. This moment signifies the culmination of Viviane's arduous journey towards independence and freedom from a tumultuous marriage.
Meet the characters that bring Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Viviane Amsalem (Ronit Elkabetz)
Viviane is a determined woman who seeks freedom after two decades of a troubled marriage. Her relentless pursuit of a divorce embodies her fight against oppressive traditions and expectations. Through her character, the film delves into themes of resilience and personal identity.
Elisha Amsalem (Simon Abkarian)
Elisha is portrayed as a complex antagonist who oscillates between wanting to reconcile and exhibiting controlling behavior. His character reveals the internal conflicts of a spouse unwilling to let go, juxtaposed against Viviane’s quest for independence. His actions highlight themes of power dynamics in relationships.
Uncover the settings of Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Contemporary
The events occur in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues regarding marriage, personal freedom, and religious law. This time period exposes the struggles many face when trying to navigate their personal desires within rigid traditional structures.
Location
Religious Court
The movie primarily takes place in a religious court, where the traditions and laws of marriage are fervently upheld. This setting represents the challenges faced by individuals seeking independence within a patriarchal religious framework. The courtroom is a battleground for both personal and communal beliefs regarding marriage and divorce.
Explore the core themes of Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Divorce
The theme of divorce is central to the film, highlighting the emotional and legal battles surrounding the end of a marriage. Viviane's struggle for independence is poignantly depicted against a backdrop of judicial constraints and social expectations. The film deeply explores the implications of divorce on personal identity and freedom.
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Justice
Justice plays a crucial role as Viviane fights within the religious legal system to assert her right to choose her own destiny. The courtroom scenes illustrate the complexities of seeking justice in a context that often favors tradition over individual needs. Viviane's journey portrays the tension between personal desire and societal norms.
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