Unorthodox

About Unorthodox

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About

Unorthodox is a German television miniseries that premiered on Netflix in 2020. The show is based on the autobiography of Deborah Feldman and follows the story of a young woman named Esther Shapiro who leaves her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin.

Making / Production

The series was created by Anna Winger and Alexa Karolinski and is loosely based on Deborah Feldman's memoir, "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots."

Actors

• Shira Haas as Esther "Esty" Shapiro - Haas delivered a powerful and nuanced performance in the challenging role of Esty, capturing the character's journey and emotions with authenticity.
• Amit Rahav as Yanky Shapiro - Rahav portrayed Yanky, Esty's husband, with a mix of vulnerability and conviction, showcasing the complexities of his character.
• Jeff Wilbusch as Moishe Lefkovitch - Wilbusch played Moishe, a childhood friend of Esty with a troubled past, bringing depth to the character's manipulative nature.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was primarily filmed in Berlin, providing an authentic backdrop for the story.
• Shira Haas learned Yiddish for her role as Esty, adding another layer of authenticity to her performance.
• The show received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a woman breaking free from a restrictive community.

Awards

Unorthodox won several awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series.

Quotes

• "I'm not asking you to understand...but I am asking you to respect me." - Esther Shapiro
• "It's hard to be new. But then it becomes your normal." - Esty

Music

• The music of Unorthodox, composed by Antonio Gambale, perfectly captures the emotional journey of the characters, enhancing the storytelling.