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Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Antonia Frering, Dalip Tahil, Nina Wadia ... see more see more... , Ernest Ignatius , Siddiqua Akhtar , Amber Rose Revah , Anya Lahiri , Kimberly Jaraj , Sam Vincenti , Rez Kempton , Daud Shah , George Tardios , Ishwar Maharaj , Gabrielle Amies , Jessica Allsop

Shamim Sarif's autobiographical novel serves as the inspiration for this film directed by the author, and concerning two women from deeply diverse backgrounds who discover that the love between them i... read more read more...s too powerful to deny. Tala (Lisa Ray) is a London-based Jordanian of Palestinian descent. She's a spirited Christian in the midst of planning her wedding to her handsome Jordanian fiancé. Leyla (Sheetal Sheth) is a shy Muslim who's currently dating Leyla's best friend, Ali. Brought together by chance, Tala and Leyla form a slow bond that grows deeper with every minute they spend together. Eventually, the two girls reveal their true feelings to one another, and realize that they have fallen in love. But Tala is bound by her cultural heritage, and books a flight back to Jordan as Leyla's wedding date draws near. Back in London, a heartbroken Leyla decides to be honest with herself and her family by coming clean about her feelings for Tala. Inspired by Leyla's fearless commitment to Tala, Leyla's sister and Ali make it their mission to reunite the two girls. But before Tala can be truly happy with Leyla, she must first define for herself what true love really means. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

58% liked it

36,262 ratings

Critics

13% liked it

31 critics

R, 1 hr. 20 min.

Directed by: Shamim Sarif

Release Date: June 1, 2008

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DVD Release Date: February 9, 2010

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Stats: 275 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (275)


  • October 15, 2010
    A fascinating movie that centralizes on the companionship and budding romance between two women. Tala and Leyla are first introduced to each other during a visit, and the two instantly connect. They begin spending more time together, and attraction motivates these two when they... read more decide to take a trip together where the two fall in love. Although Tala is engaged, and will soon marry Hani. Leyla is dating Tala's friend Ali, and hopes to become a writer someday. Despite these differences, Leyla admits her love and Tala is indecisive about what path in life to follow. With the help of loved ones, the two find their way to each other.
    Great cast- Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Antonia Frering, Dalip Tahil, Nina Wadia, Ernest Ignatius, Amber Rose Revah, Siddiqua Akhtar, and Anya Lahiri. Worthy!
  • October 27, 2008
    Funny, heartwarming and downright sexy. Yes, technically this would probably not entirely deserve 5 stars (the dialogue seemed a bit forced at times, the low budget shone through very occasionally), but I had so much fun, I loved the chemistry between the actresses and this was m... read moreore than just a romantic comedy. The humour is clever, the romance believable and the characters are lovable and well-rounded. And, to come to my most valid argument: This is hands down the lesbian romantic comedy with the hottest couple. A brief moment where Nala stands on top of a staircase in heels and looks at Leyla prompted spontaneous gasps from the almost exclusively female audience. You will know which moment I mean... Hot, funny, endearing film.
  • February 11, 2011
    Favourite. Movie. Ever. Political without being depressing. Women coming out of the closet and facing familial freak-outs without any sad rejection stories. I loved it!

Critic Reviews


Susan Walker
November 21, 2008
Susan Walker, Toronto Star

Buildings and their interiors fare a lot better in this sumptuously lensed and set-designed film. That's because they don't have to talk or act. Full Review

Jeannette Catsoulis
November 21, 2008
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

Plugging the same two actresses into different Sapphic scenarios may be a valid filmmaking strategy but it can be an extremely boring one.

November 21, 2008
New York Post

Hw do they tell their boyfriends and parents that they're gay? Conventionally, that's how. Full Review

Kevin Thomas
November 21, 2008
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

In exploring the eternal conflict between love and duty in a fresh, provocative way, Sarif demonstrates that she is a filmmaker of exceptional promise. Full Review

Liam Lacey
November 21, 2008
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Although she has made two films in rapid succession, Sarif shows no discernible aptitude for her new medium. Full Review

Jim Ridley
November 20, 2008
Jim Ridley, Village Voice

Every image seems to have been Scotchgarded. Full Review

Variety Staff
November 18, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

The film is too schematic by half and overflows with one-dimensional characters. Full Review

Amber Wilkinson
April 10, 2009
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film

If the plot is cheese, it never rises above the level of a Dairylea triangle Full Review

Edward Porter
April 9, 2009
Edward Porter, Sunday Times (UK)

She is still some way short of making a movie that deserves a ticket-buying audience. Full Review

Philip French
April 9, 2009
Philip French, Observer [UK]

Both films are politically daring as well as what used to be called risque. Neither, I'm afraid, is well directed or acted. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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