A Price Above Rubies (1998)
A bold, intimate drama about one woman's defiant search for identity within the confines of Orthodox Jewish tradition.
A Price Above Rubies - Movie Information
- Original Title: A Price Above Rubies
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Boaz Yakin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 26, 1998 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: Sonia Horowitz, l'insoumise (FR), 自由的代价 (CN)
- Production Companies: Miramax
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
A Price Above Rubies - Plot
About a young woman who is married to a devout Jew and the problems that trouble their marriage because of the woman wanting something more out of her life.
A Price Above Rubies - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the world Sonia Horowitz inhabits:
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A Price Above Rubies - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Boaz Yakin
Main Cast
- Renée Zellweger
- Christopher Eccleston
- Julianna Margulies
- Allen Payne
- Glenn Fitzgerald
- Kim Hunter
- John Randolph
- Peter Jacobson
- Edie Falco
- Michael Stuhlbarg
Writers
- Boaz Yakin
Producers
- Lawrence Bender
- John Penotti
A Price Above Rubies - FAQs
What is A Price Above Rubies about?
A Price Above Rubies follows Sonia Horowitz, a passionate and free-spirited young woman trapped within the rigid expectations of her Orthodox Jewish community. Married to a deeply devout man, she craves independence and self-expression, leading her into a world of forbidden desires, business, and personal awakening.
Does Sonia find freedom by the end of the film?
The film ends on a quietly hopeful note. Sonia breaks free from the suffocating constraints of her marriage and community, choosing her own path at great personal cost. It's a bittersweet resolution — she gains autonomy but loses the security and belonging she once knew.
Where can you stream A Price Above Rubies?
You can watch A Price Above Rubies on Hoopla for free. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
What role does Renée Zellweger play in the film?
Renée Zellweger plays Sonia Horowitz, the film's central character — a young Orthodox Jewish woman whose fierce spirit and longing for a fuller life set her on a collision course with her community's strict traditions. It's a demanding, emotionally layered performance from Zellweger.
Is A Price Above Rubies based on a true story?
No, A Price Above Rubies is not based on a true story. Writer-director Boaz Yakin crafted an original screenplay, though the film draws on real cultural and religious tensions within Orthodox Jewish communities to give the story its authenticity and emotional weight.
Who directed A Price Above Rubies and what else did they make?
Boaz Yakin directed the film. He's perhaps best known for Remember the Titans (2000), the beloved sports drama starring Denzel Washington. A Price Above Rubies came earlier in his career and showcases a more intimate, character-driven side of his filmmaking.
How was A Price Above Rubies received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised Renée Zellweger's committed central performance and the film's bold exploration of identity and religious constraint, but some felt the narrative was uneven. It remains a notable entry in 1990s independent drama for its daring subject matter.
What is the meaning behind the film's title?
The title comes from Proverbs 31:10 in the Bible: “A virtuous woman, who can find? For her price is far above rubies.” The film uses this scripture ironically — questioning what society truly values in women and whether virtue means silent obedience or authentic selfhood.
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