Customer Reviews

Orthodox Stance

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jason Hutt brings to the screen a true story of a real fighter in every sense of the word. Dmitriy Salita grows equally as a skilled boxer, a religious Jew and most importantly as a man with a robust level of integrity. As the film progresses one becomes wrapped up in the personal and professional life of Dmetriy Salita rather than in only the actual boxing, which is spectacularly chronicled by Mr. Hutt. I was fascinated by the way all the women in the audience were captivated and empathetically enrolled into the story. Well worth the viewing time!

Though I'm a fan of boxing films (especially covering the era up through Ali), I think this film will appeal to those not usually drawn to boxing. Given the demands of the sport, boxing films often have a quasi-spiritual, almost monastic feel to them. This film has a double dose of that since the boxer in question, Dmitriy Salita, is not only a Ukranian-born immigrant to Brooklyn, but an observant, Orthodox Jew.

Orthodox Stance, like the best documentaries, leaves you wondering if the director simply lucked onto an amazing story. The answer in this case is yes--for the main character is incredibly compelling--and no--for this film is skillfully made (staying out of the way of the various personalities while allowing them to speak for themselves) and then assembled into something truly memorable. A great film full of great scenes, Orthodox Stance has stayed with me since seeing it over a year ago. Highly recommended.

Very well directed, and a very compelling character - this film breaks new ground. The main character is presented in an authentic and genuine way, and those around him add to his unfolding life saga. I heartily recommend!

Cool film that provides an intimate 3-year look at the trials and tribulations faced by an up and coming professional boxer and reveals a first-of-its kind insider's view of professional boxing--from New York City gyms to big fights in Las Vegas, Puerto Rico and Atlantic City.

Orthodox Stance

I was intrigued with this film when I saw it several months ago on MSG channel. Dmitriy is a Russian Jewish immigrant who overcame considerable hardship to become a rising star in the boxing field. Enduring first the taunts of American classmates, and later the death of his mother, he learned boxing as a means of overcoming. Later, as he became a ba'al tshuva
(Jewish convert) he discovered that his religion added spiritual dimension to his pugilistic endeavors! This is a portrait not only of a young man's meteoric success, but also of his personal development, his perseverance and humility. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Matisyahu. You will not be disappointed - it is a thought-provoking and entertaining portrait of an inspiring young man.

Jason Hutt is a very talented director. Anyone who happened to catch his first documentary "Breezewood" would also really love Orthodox Stance. Though the documentary is about a boxer - the characters who surround him and the story that is told make this a film even non-sports fans can enjoy. It's a story about an immigrant who has a religious awakening upon the death of his mother - who finds as much salvation in the ring as he does at Temple. For me, as an insider in the sport of boxing, I especially liked the behind the scenes look you got at training, the hob-knobbing with the press and network execs and the grind of contract negotiations. But there is a little something for everyone in this film - highly recommend!