Mendy (NR)

synopsis

Mendy is a devout member of an ultra-orthodox Jewish sect based in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. His entire life has been spent following the strict rules of his protective and repressive community. While visiting Yankel, now known as Yankie, a Chassid who left the community a few years earlier for a secular lifestyle, Mendy is introduced to the mystifying and forbidden world of sex, drugs and unfettered hedonism. Both repelled and fascinated by this new world, Mendy ultimately flees the Chassidic community and moves in with Yankie, leaving behind his friends, family and old world views in search of a new identity. While he is well versed in Talmudic texts, Jewish rules and law, Mendy knows nothing of the unspoken rules that govern most of modern society. But, an unlikely and tender relationship with Yankie's Brazilian roommate Bianca opens his eyes to the possibilities of finding transcendence and spirituality in everyday life.