Product Details

• Actors: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Ari Granor
• Directors: Kevin Asch
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: October 19, 2010
• Run Time: 89 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B003Q7B7CO
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,868 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Holy Rollers" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

A crime thriller inspired by true events about a drug ring trafficking ecstasy pills to the New York Club scene. Sam Gold, studying to become a Rabbi, reluctantly follows the path his family has chosen for him. A charming neighbor, Yosef , senses Sam's discontent and propositions him to transport medicine for an Israeli dealer, and his girlfriend, Rachel.
Sam quickly demonstrates his business skill to his bosses, who instantly take Sam under their wing. Exposed to the exciting and gritty worlds of Manhattan and Amsterdam nightlife, Sam spirals deeper into their lifestyle. Sam s double life begins to rip his family apart. Slowly he comes to realize the façade behind the easy money and parties. Caught between life as a smuggler and the righteous path, he goes on the run, forced to make a fatal decision that could bring the entire operation crashing down.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Surprise--A True Life Crime Drama Set In The Hasidic Community, March 2, 2011

By 

K. Harris "Film aficionado" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Holy Rollers (DVD)

In truth, I had never heard of the picture "Holy Rollers" but the idea of Jesse Eisenberg as a Hasidic Jew who becomes entrenched in a drug mule operation held an undeniable appeal. And this film is one of those undiscovered little gems--it may not rock your world, but it's a solidly constructed character study based on a real world case. Funny, moving, and suspenseful--I quite enjoyed this film. The depiction of Eisenberg's orthodox upbringing is well served, but his decision to color outside the lines is also believably demonstrated. As he is seduced to the dark side, the transition is well wrought. In fact, I think this is one of Eisenberg's most well rounded performances--one that uses his offbeat mannerisms to good affect.

The story, in and of itself, is undeniably fascinating--it documents a ring of Ecstasy smugglers in the late nineties who transported their wares internationally using the least likely suspects. Justin Bartha colorfully portrays the neighborhood bad boy who eschews the conventional expectations of the Hasidic community. Eisenberg is his neighbor and friend who becomes a bit disillusioned as his life does not seem to be going precisely as planned. When Bartha proposes an opportunity for Eisenberg to score some cash for traveling to Amsterdam, he is reluctant. But after an initial foray into this new venture, he begins to embrace it more and more. The corruption of innocence and the seduction of power are primary themes in this tale of lawlessness. But how far is he willing to go? And is there any way out?

A taut and succinct screenplay maintains the film's momentum as Eisenberg rises in importance. The movie does a great job documenting the real danger of the enterprise and undeniable allure it holds for our young protagonist. Wrestling the classic demons of evil versus good, Eisenberg relates the moral and ethical dilemma with precision. But Bartha also steals just about every scene he's in! Clearly on a path to destruction, he nevertheless maintains a charisma and likability that keeps the film grounded. The film doesn't provide an easy out and everyone must face the consequences of their choices. "Holy Rollers" is quite entertaining and an easy recommendation, but beware of the hyperbole of one critic that is printed on the DVD. Comparing this to "Scarface" or "The Godfather" will set unreasonable expectations. It shares some of the same basic themes, but this small and understated film is much more specific in its tone and modest in its goals! KGHarris, 3/11.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific film - excellent performances, September 30, 2010

By 

Dee J. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holy Rollers (DVD)

I was pleasantly surprised in the effective performance of Jesse Eisenberg; Justin Bartha is always good for a little comic relief, too. You might not believe the premise, if it wasn't based on factual events. I think that this is a film most people would find interesting, with some interesting depth.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jesse Eisenberg was great., February 10, 2011

By 

Jason Mark Alster M.Sc "Millenium man" (Wethersfield , CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holy Rollers (DVD)

Great acting by Jesse Eisenberg who took on a difficult role in portraying a true event to the public in an entertaining way because it would require an understanding of Judaism , Hassidic Judaism , the Israeli connection , and their embedment in America and American culture. It looks like Jesse Eisenberg is finding an important niche' in playing Jewish Americans famous and infamous but each unique in their own Jewish roots.The reason I gave this movie only four stars is because it seemed that because there was no translation for the Hebrew and Yiddish terms that someone not familiar with the terms would decrease his enjoyment of the movie, but this is not the only movie that has ever done this. I also thought that if Jesse was to play a Hassid and really wanted to fit the role he should have cut his hair short as Hassids do. It was out of place for the role. For another source of information on the interplay between American , Jewish, and Israeli cultures you might have a look at Leaving Home, Going Home, Returning Home: A Hebrew American's Sojourn in the Land of Israel