David & Layla (2005) Online

David and Layla is a brave and fabulous film that manages to combine love, romance and comedy with real issues that no one else has dared to speak about, and all this without being didactic or preachy. I enjoyed this film thoroughly and have been waiting for something like this for a long time. With a luscious visual language, David and Layla takes the viewer on a journey through the hard land of bi-cultural love and misunderstandings. Through the personal experience of David, a Jewish news anchor and Layla, a sensuous Kurdish, Muslim woman seeking asylum in the US, we learn to appreciate the ridiculousness of the conflicts between their Jewish and Muslim families. But eventually love wins, heals the wounds and brings the two families into a new appreciation of each others cultures.

David and Layla is one of the best movies I have ever seen. The movie is an excellent harmony of both tragedy and comedy. As many viewers pointed out after the movie, I think the core issue here is that the movie targets to the most important part of us; our humanity; no matter whether we are Christian, Muslim, or Jewish or no matter what our political stand is... we are all human beings when it comes to love. Therefor, David and Layla reminds me of Nietzche's philosophy and its Dionysian instinct; the battle between being Apollonian (rational) or being Dionysian (irrational). If you are Apollonian you care much about the artificial side of life or of yourself; your religion, your race, your political stand, your party and so on. However if you are Dionysian, you do not care much about these things, by contrast, you can sacrifice them for the sake of love, for example. You can disregard this artificial side of the life or you can make compromise between the two sides (Apollonian and Dionysian) as David and Layla do. I think this is what we badly need nowadays.

A modern tale for the ages. Told with genuine tenderness and respect for both sides of the coin, "David & Layla" is the love story of a Muslim woman and a Jewish man. Peppered with interesting historical tidbits of information and unexpected laughs, the movie's strength lies in the fact that Jonroy has a healthy respect for his characters and never takes a side other than basically saying "Forget all the petty nonsense in the world. All you need is love.". Moreover, Jonroy never condescends; everyone and their relative perspectives are treated with equal respect (no small feat, considering the subject matter!). The writing, directing and acting are superb. If you want a break from the usual Hollywood dreck, go see this movie. It's a welcomed breath of fresh air.

Shiva Rose as 'Layla' gives the best performance in this surprisingly delightful and enlightening mixed-genre 'romance, comedy, drama.' Against the continuing wars in the complex Middle East, this is a timely comedy of a Jewish Muslim romance evidently inspired by a true story. Shiva plays the innocent young Kurdish 'village princess.' A recent refugee in Brooklyn (New York), Layla is a war survivor. Millions of refugees uprooted from their homelands will identify with Layla's predicament trying to keep her culture while adjusting to a new life in the West. Layla refuses to play a victim. Instead, with enchanting oriental femininity, she dances in a night club- secretly from her conservative folks who think she's attending nursing school. Layla brings a welcome touch of grace and mystery to the zany shenanigans of this multi-layered story with political undertones. She quickly became my emotional anchor amid the farcical religious and political quid pro quos of prejudices and stereotypes. No wonder Layla becomes the object of David's mad desire! The arousing desire for the 'unobtainable" drives this film's fast-paced plot from its captivating opening sequence – setting up Manhattan and the two opposing sides across the Brooklyn bridge - to its unusual happy ending. Layla with her long "night black hair" –as the singer in the club describes her- dances sensually with her bracelet clad arms while fully dressed down to her bare feet. What a contrast to David's wealthy Manhattan fiancée, the pretty, smart, kick-boxing, fast Abby, played convincingly by Callie Thorne!? Poetic Layla embodies the modesty and the entrancing femininity of the oppressed women of many parts of Asia and the Islamic world. She expresses with dignity the tragic history of her people; and she subtly introduces David and us to glimpses of the rich, suppressed culture of her homeland. Look for the quaint Kurdish wedding with its amazing colorful costumes, food and exuberant music- and surprise baklava stirring the Jewish side to join in to dance to Hava Nagila! Throughout the film, the mélange of colors and authentic Middle Eastern, Kurdish, Jewish Klezmer, and Jazz music are used to tell the story: East and West clash then gradually reconcile. By the way: Where had Shiva Rose been hiding before her wonderful lead in this film? She's got quite a career coming to her!

In a time when the term "Romantic Comedy" causes a gagging sensation to reflex from myself as I think of recent cliché Hollywood inventions such as "Must Love Dogs" and "40 Year Old Virgin", it is a film such as "David and Layla" that gives me cause to have faith; faith that a film can be topical, romantic, sincere, true to life and do so without tipping the balance of any essential element what so ever. The film is inspired by a true story and brings up many political issues that face our daily lives without ever giving the condescending preachy sense documentaries often engage upon. The humor is funny, and when I say funny I mean actually funny; because the characters feel real. Every character in this film is a gem. I myself am not of Judaic upbringing, but found the Jewish father to be hilarious and a favorite. The pacing of the film is just right, nothing lasts too long and not a second is to be missed. Towards the end of the film I had the urge to pee, the urge came and immediately went because the film sucked me right back in; JUST AS A GOOD FILM SHOULD DO, and yet so many films today don't. "David and Layla" inspires you, grabs you and tickles you all at once. It's a reminder of why we pay the 8-10 dollars to see a film. A fantastic film I'd gladly see again and recommend to anyone who loves the cinema of life!

I saw a screening of this film at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. The film was a refreshing deviance from a lot of the more heavy handed political films out there. David and Layla succeeds in capturing a new type of emotion indicative of both lead characters and their lifestyles which are ethnically diverse but similar in that they share this common bond of living in an American city where one can stay true to their roots but be free spirited as well. The film was an entertaining experience containing many truths. Jonroy skillfully manages to blend love, politics and comedy whilst keeping the overall theme grounded in reality. Additionally, one should not miss the stand out performances of Ed Chemaly and Will Janowitz.

This film was a perfect combination of love and politics. Not an overload of either kept the story moving and interesting. The tension between David's family painted a picture of Jewish life in America. Layla tries to hold on to her roots in a new country. Both gracefully accept their plight and fight to be together. This is more than a story of lovers who can't be together. Arguments of whose people have been through more surface throughout the film. Everyone can relate to the feeling of having to prove and deal with suffering. Food mixes the story up, showing the effects of what we eat and how we love. It seems a spicy diet is best for romance, which in turn leads to overall happiness. If politicians ate more spice perhaps they wouldn't be so bitter. We can only hope this catches on! Layla was outstanding; beautiful and captivating. The characters were all intelligent and funny. A quick pace kept the film hilarious and informative. This is the kind of movie you take everyone to see.

In "David and Layla", writer/director Jay Jonroy has crafted a film that bursts with practical idealism regarding how people coming from two vastly different cultural/religious backgrounds come to accept, if not "understand" one another. Jonroy is dealing with fire in many ways, but manages to create a story that is personal, allowing the universal themes to be brought down to Earth, intimately. I've never seen a film that makes New York City look so unbelievably alive, raw, and romantic: the music, colors, "incidental" street scenes, vastly diverse and quirky cast are not to be missed. It's as if Moliere wrote a farce with a well-needed political punch.

I really enjoyed watching David and Layla, it was a treat . I would recommend this movie for everyone. It is nowhere near your average silly predictable romantic comedy. The actors are amazing, the characters seem interesting and real. It's a captivating story is full of joy, but it doesn't forget about suffering. It manages to explore love, sex, pain, sorrow, family, passion, and hope in a nearly perfect balance. There are a lot of beautiful shots, the dancing is absolutely stunning. This delicious film is rich with flavor, music, and culture ...and oh yeah and I fell in love with Layla!

-alexa

-this is you life and it's ending one minute at a time-

I had translated "ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND" into French subtitles at TITRA FILM subtitling company in Paris. TITRA gave me a DVD of "DAVID & LAYLA." I previewed it and immediately emailed to the writer/director, Jay Jonroy, declaring "I LOVE IT!" Actors are great; dialogs sparkle; photography is marvelous; Layla/Shiva Rose is gorgeous; David/David Moscow is very charming; their parents are very funny; Abby/Callie Thorne is very, very good, too...all in a meaningful modern Romeo & Juliet comedy/drama with "a mille feuilles"- a story with a thousand "layered" ideas." I discussed the general style and flavor of subtitles by 'phone with the director. Then I had fun preparing the French subtitles. Later, Jay flew to Paris. He speaks French. We revised the subtitles a few times. Now, Jay says the film with French subtitles is even better and funnier. Felicitations to the filmmakers et bon courage! Maï from Paris.

The film begins with a captivating sequence that draws you immediately into the cultural conglomeration of New York City. A powerful message of racial reconciliation presented with wit and realism, David and Leyla invokes thought, laughter, and beauty. The relationships seemed organic and unforced as well as the connection between David Moscow and Shiva Rose. I was especially moved by the soundtrack interwoven throughout each scene. The brassy, sultry composition provided a moving companion to the story itself and created an all-encompassing reality for the viewer as we are taken into the Muslim and Jewish cultures of New York.

I truly enjoyed "David and Layla", not only for it's charm and wit, but because of the melange of characters and the cultural awareness their story provokes. As a contemporary love story, it is poignant and relative to the crises our world faces today. This film proves that, despite any cultural differences, true love can manifest into a peaceful union of two sides.

The unique talents of David Moscow (David) and Shiva Rose (Layla) are outstanding, and I anticipate seeing them in other roles in the future. Director Jay Jonroy thoroughly explores every emotional aspect of love and war between two divided cultures. With success, he cleverly brings the two together. I hope everyone is fortunate to see this special film and appreciate it as much as I do.

David and Layla is a very timely film, not only in USA but in many countries in the world where refugees who seek asylum are faced with the inevitable difficulties of integrating not only into established societies but with other refugees of different ethnicities and religious beliefs.

Humour leavens and yet underscores the serious difficulties encountered by the young couple although at times it is used a little too heavily and borders on slapstick.

The film makes strong political comment through simple statement of fact - who were Saddam's major supporters anyway? There is valuable use of archival footage: stark, black and white sequences that contrast sharply with the colourful and sometime flamboyant costumes and decor in David and Layla's story. We wonder if the colour and the flamboyance may be transient - will they disappear in a return to suffering? The best of human nature prevails when the very differences are recognised as similarities, surprising even the protagonists. That David and Layla are real people and this is based on their true story makes the film even more poignant.

The acting is routinely strong with the roles of Layla and David's Jewish father superbly played.

I hope David and Layla gets major distribution that takes it to other countries such as England and Australia where it would resonate equally.

The story itself is inspirational, the acting is heart warming, and the music truly uplifts you. The movie inspires you to connect with others no matter what nationality, religion or culture. The joy, the laughter, and the tears that it brought me were felt by almost everyone in the audience. It definitely unites us and help us to see our oneness. I believe Mr. Jonroy has done a wonderful job of sparking love in every human heart. Layla presents the beauty of a typical Persian woman full of sensuality, yet a true lady who sticks to her standards with integrity. The food represents warmth, and the spice in it sparks love and passion; somehow the importance of food and spice reminded me of 'like water for chocolate.' Layla's clothing were of the beautiful colors of the East – Persia and Kurdistan – where colors are signs of life and passion. Oh, and the music is what completed the picture.

"David and Layla" was the best movie I have seen in years. It was very well written, has beautiful cinematography, and I was completely entranced for the entire movie. I felt closer to my fiancé and his parents after we shared this serious yet uplifting comedy. The characters are beautifully shaped, and speak and interact the way real people do, when they are being themselves. It felt like a journey through the universal waters of love and destiny. The score is delightful, and blends seamlessly with the action or mannerisms of the characters. This film deals with very current and political issues, and manages to treat these difficulties with humor, love and humanity. Highly recommend...

Jonroy has been able to combine tragedy, comedy, and romance to show the very delicate life experiences of a Jewish-Kurdish lover couple. The director summarizes the history of Jewish and Kurdis people that includes not only past friendships and past tragic experiences of Ausshwitz and Halabja but also achievements, joys and prides of these people. He cleverly opens up the sensitive issue of sexuality which still might be considered a taboo or even a "sin" in the Middle East, an unavoidable sin as creating a friendship between Jews and Kurds. In short, the couple's life in the movie symbolizes the history of two less wanted ethnicities in the Middel East who are long due to work together toward a common goal.

K. Artin

I had the chance to see David & LAYLA recently and was pleased to discover a film that is endearing as it is funny. On one level, the story is a touching (and often hysterical) love letter to New York City and the cultures that make it such a fascinating, difficult and wonderful place. On another level, it is a great comedy; it seems to succeed in everything from Woody Allen-esquire wit to slapstick. But at its core is the love story between Jewish David and Muslim Layla. As their relationship progresses, one can't help hope that stories like theirs would some how redeem the Jewish-Muslim conflict. I can't think of the last time I went to a film that made me think, laugh, AND was a great romantic comedy date movie! A sexy, intellectually stimulating, funny film is just so rare-David & LAYLA made for a wonderful film experience.

Jay Jonroy has clearly put his passion where his camera is.

Even though he is personally affected by some of the events his characters go through, he doesn't beat you over the head with the darker sides of life and how humans can be so horrible to each other.

The acting is great. Though some of the characters can seem ridiculous, it helps make the whole situation more palatable. Aren't our prejudices and misunderstandings of each other usually ridiculous anyway? ( I mean, can't we all just get along?) ;o) I saw this movie at the Avignon Film Festival at Hunter College, and my cousin was visiting. She is living in Israel and is dating a man who is Israeli, but whose mother is Kurdish. We laughed and cried together at the travails David and Layla must go through when dealing with their families. You might too.

Essentially, this can be described as a sweet, yet rough around the edges, and real, romantic comedy-drama! The soundtrack alone is worth the ticket! I hope Jay gets a distributor soon!

This film is like 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' meets 'Romeo and Juliet' meets CNN--For grownups!

A nice movie with lots to think about, it does not leave you stranded but it helps you move forward with the movie and the characters. Layla is sexy and David is funny. A great brainy date movie. I had a good time watching the film and left with something to talk about. The Production values were top notch, it looked better than many indie films I have seen. I enjoyed the music throughout, it helped set the mood The belly dancer in the wedding scene was "wow" I have to say that the sparks flew when David and Layla kissed. The director should be applauded for not going Hollywood and actually making a film with substance and grit, the subject is everyday, we all deal with similar issues and the writer has a unique view of life that we can learn from

David and Layla is one of those rare films that not only surpasses your expectations while watching it, but continues to challenge your beliefs and ideas about love, religion, and life long after you've let the theatre. From the film's onset you are drawn into a world of conflict and love which is perfectly framed by the ethnic music and innovative cinematic style of the director. The look and feel of David and Layla can only be described as distinctive. The director's light-hearted approach to the discussion of serious religious and cultural differences is an unlikely approach to these topics, but an extremely entertaining and effective method. The tenderness which is conveyed through the relationships of the well developed characters makes it impossible for the audience to be disengaged. The film's genuine nature and the director's sincere desire to make a romantic comedy with depth and substance is inescapable, as is the ability of the talented cast to convey the layered subject matter with honesty and truth. David and Layla is a film that is unforgettable and timeless.

I rarely see anything as good, as fresh, as relevant, and as funny as David & Layla. For our troubled times, there does not seem to be a film out there as topical as this. A bold New York independent film that amazingly succeeds in mixing romantic comedy with the tragic background of Layla- a new immigrant to America. Sensual Muslim Layla is the orphan survivor of 'Kurdish 911': the ill-known Saddam's gassing of her hometown, HALABJA, in which her family was among the 5000 murdered. Now a refugee in New York, the stunning, graceful & vulnerable Layla with her big innocent eyes, delicate hands, and hypnotic oriental dancing, becomes Jewish David's obsessive "love at first sight." There follows a fast sending up of the similarities and the differences between the two cultures that ends with the two sides finding they have a lot more in common humanity than they had ever imagined. Alluring SHIVA ROSE as mesmerizing Layla and charming David MOSCOW as resourceful David lead a talented ensemble cast. The gifted CALLIE THORNE (RESCUE ME- yes please!) is a dazzling gem as kick-boxing Abby. Abby is David's dominating, neurotically sexy Upper East Jewish princess fiancée. PETER VAN WAGNER as Mel, the "Jewish Archie Bunker", is wonderfully memorable; as is his mirthful, wise-cracking gay son Woody (David's younger brother) played convincingly by WILL JANOWITZ- a rising talent to watch. Instead of playing JUDIH, the Jewish wife, satirically like her husband MEL (or like the mischievous support characters in TV Seinfeld) POLLY ADAMS plays her Judith sometimes too "truthfully"- dramatically correct. This renders Judith to be somewhat of a melodramatic but still credible, albeit stereotypical, Jewish mother. Alexander BLAISE mischievously plays French Francois, David's ironic cameraman and passionate amour expert who pines to taste women like Layla as if they were delicious dishes (oysters & papayas!) Layla's Kurdish family is acted believably by a marvelous, if mostly unknown, ethnic cast. This is remarkable when one learns that Layla's Kurdish family is played by no less than six different nationalities: Layla (Irish American Persian); Goofy, political Uncle Ali (Lebanese); Attractive Zina the feminine, resilient wife (Indian); Layla's mature relative, spiritual Howar, the Tanbur musician who's secretly in love with Layla (Egyptian); the hormonal handsome peeping Farhad 'Fred' (American); and Aftaw Khan, Layla's lovable, wise old aunt (Armenian.) This inspired "Kurdish" casting is in itself quite an achievement by this first-time director who apparently could not find Kurdish actors in New York. The Imam is played sincerely with due dignity by the noble Egyptian actor, HANY KAMAL, who in reality is the father of Joseph KAMAL - who impressively plays Howar, the Kurdish musician! According to the IMDb bio, the New York-based writer/producer/director, JAY JONROY - who has lived in London, San Francisco, LA, Rio and Paris - gave up executive career to study acting & photography in London. Later, he learnt screen writing craft and film-making at UCLA, USC and AFI. Multi-lingual JONROY is an ex-fashion photographer, an amateur art collector, music player and a world music collector. No wonder the film is a sumptuous & subtle mélange of authentic colors – of sets and costumes - and of ethnic music of both sides, together with sound bites of Manhattan jazz and buzz- all used to contrast, underscore and move this unusual New York love story. Distinctive cinematography – framing and movement by turn poetic, playful, energetic, even hectic, to express the emotion or comedy of each scene - is by HARLAN BOSMAJIAN, famous for the highly successful independent, "LOVELY & AMAZING" starring Brenda Blethyn, Katherine Keener et al. Watch out for a seductive and hilarious long sailing boat ride out in the open waters. Boat scenes, especially sailing boats, are expensive and tricky stuff to shoot, so usually not attempted in independent movies. (Hitchcock's three 'hates' to film: dogs, babies and boats!) The hitherto unknown Editor, EGON KIRINCIC, will surely be noted for his lively, well-paced editing: you blink and this daring mixed-genres 110-minute film is over, leaving you wishing to see it again! This enlightening romantic comedy of clash and reconciliation of deadly opposing cultures is optimistic, timely and timeless. I can't wait to see it again, next time I hope in public theaters.

A smart and at times poignant date movie. I laughed, it's romantic, and I left the theater definitely feeling more informed. I personally enjoy getting something like that out of a film. I don't want to be hit over the head but when it's done right, a light touch will get you thinking. Not really knowing anything about the plight of the Kurdish people made it more obvious to me how ignorant I can be when it comes to world affairs (maybe I shouldn't rely on TV news as my sole source of information.) One of my favorite moments (without giving anything away) came towards the end ... a simple but beautiful act ... (you'll know it when you see it). But after all is said and done, for me it was a film about tolerance, about looking beyond fear and realizing that prejudices are instilled. What makes us different is also what makes us interesting and David & Layla simply, and often comically, illustrates how obviously similar we actually all are. Nicely done. Kudos to the cast. And did I mention the sexy Layla? As that French character in the film would say "vive la difference"!

I truly enjoyed David and Layla. This film is layered with so many wonderful facets of real life... from unexpected romance to world atrocities that are still prevalent today. Due to the mix bags of emotions that are brought out in this particular film you can't help but feel joyfulness and sadness at the same time. The cinematography and editing was seamless as well as pleasing to the eye. And the sound affects and sound quality made you feel as though you were right there in the moment the action was happening. I especially liked the opening quote which set the tone for this film and the fact that it was inspired from a true story makes it that much more real. The characters all unique were all very well cast as well as the writing brilliantly funny. David and Layla hit every mark that a great film should and that is evident from the beginning. Callie Thorne especially stood out - she played David's Jewish fiancé and was remarkable in her delivery. The character of Layla played by Shiva Rose McDermott was complex yet simple at the same time showing the audience how uncomplicated love can actually be when there is incredible compromise attached. David and Layla is a brave film that confronts current and timely issues that need to be dealt with in today's society. I thought it was extremely balanced and fair in its interpretation and recognize that this is a difficult task to achieve. A great film I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In my opinion is one of the most romantic ever seen. It has a little of everything which gives some spice to the movie. The actors were great, scenes , scenery among other important details. Don't miss this movie because is so great. I rated the movie 10 because it is really really good. Excellent plot, drama, actors charisma etc. I also like this movie because of the love plot that do not care about barries between two different cultures. The cover looks great and that helps too.

i like the actors role in the movie, they really played good roles. Each actor truly focused a lot on each other which gives the magic that the movie portraits.

I really enjoyed watching David&Leyla when I saw screening at NYU. First of all, I can say that the film was a perfect combination of love and politics. Actually director Jonroy is dealing with fire:)) Because he is touching very sensitive subjects, such as Kurdish-Arabic, Kurdish-Turkish and Arab-Israeli conflict.But Jonroy did a great job.

Jonroy throughly explores every emotional aspects of love and war between two divided cultures.Also the film proves that, despite any cultural differences real and true love can manifest into a peaceful union of two sides.The characters were all intelligent and funny.I would strongly recommended this movie for everyone. Thanks to Jonroy for this great romantic-comedy film Mehmet Fidan