Orthodox

Orthodox is a 2015 British crime thriller film directed by David Leon, starting with Oliver Woollford, Stephen Graham, and Michael Smiley. An independent cinematic effort, the film captures the gritty details of bustling English towns and dives into subcultures that aren’t often explored in mainstream cinema, doing so with commendable craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The movie follows the trials and tribulations of Benjamin, played by Stephen Graham, a Jewish man who is rooted in his Orthodox beliefs and traditions. Graham, known for his transformative performances and incredible range, does justice to the role of Benjamin. He revives a deeply conflicted character who is wrought by the weight of his traditions and torn between his beliefs and the circumstances that life thrust upon him. Benjamin is placed in a relentless world where he is forced to face and fight prejudices and misconceptions about his Jewish identity.

Benjamin's life spirals out of control when he reverts to unorthodox methods - a world of underground boxing - to fend for his family, a choice made out of desperation after facing severe bullying and financial crisis. His childhood friend, Shannon, played by Michael Smiley, comes back into his life at the same time, bringing with him a torrent of uncertain dangers and inevitable dilemmas.

Throughout the narrative, we see Benjamin question his beliefs and traditions, particularly the restrictive facets of Orthodox Judaism, leading to his engaging deeply with life and society outside the confines of his religious beliefs. This film's raw energy is truly depicted in the boxing sequences, almost a symbol of Benjamin's internal conflict as he battles religious prejudice, societal pressures, and personal needs.

The film's title is a metaphoric play, pitting the term 'Orthodox,' which implies adhering to what is traditionally accepted, against a character who is forced by circumstances to live life in a not-so-orthodox manner. This theme is carried effectively throughout the narrative, playing out through the layered complexities of Benjamin's life, his struggles, choices, and the consequences he faces as a result.

Oliver Woollford gives an impressive performance as the young version of Benjamin. The viewers get to witness his descent from an ordinary school-going kid, exhibiting the brutal transitions he endures that turn him into a hard-living, battle-weary adult.

The actors, particularly Graham and Smiley, expertly embody their characters, projecting their emotional turmoil, personal battles, and psychological dilemma with authenticity. The director has done justice in representing their lives through a lens that is devoid of any glamorised depiction, keeping it real, rough, and relatable.

Orthodox's script, penned by director David Leon, is layered with rich character dynamics, emotional depth, and socio-religious subtleties. The masterfully crafted dialogues intertwine with intricate plot developments that do an enviable job of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

The cinematography of the film is nothing short of breathtaking. The tight camera angles, intimate shots, and innovative lighting techniques contribute to creating an interesting and visually appealing world. The gritty, raw aura of the film is painstakingly captured and rendered on screen, making the narrative more absorbing.

The production design team must be credited for accurately recreating the specific appearances of different settings in the film, particularly the Jewish neighbourhoods, the seedy underworld of illegal boxing matches, and the demure humbleness of small-town life.

Orthodox is not all gloom and intensity; there are subtle undertones of hope, resilience, and courage anecdotal in the narrative. Its stark and poignant portrayal of a man's gusty fight against the odds makes it a celluloid experience that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

In all, Orthodox is a deep, moving exploration of faith, duty, and identity. The narrative, interspersed with hard-hitting uncompromising realism and intricate character development, makes it a compelling watch. It serves as a stark reminder of how movies can still be made with riveting storytelling that delves into the deeper, darker, yet real aspects of society.