A Stranger Among Us (1992)

27% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
35% of users liked it
(7,023 ratings)

When a Jewish jeweler is found dead and his store is missing more than one million dollars in diamonds, a New York police detective (Melanie Griffith) goes undercover in a community of Hasidic Jews to find the criminal. Once she is immersed in the community, she falls in love with one of the most… More When a Jewish jeweler is found dead and his store is missing more than one million dollars in diamonds, a New York police detective (Melanie Griffith) goes undercover in a community of Hasidic Jews to find the criminal. Once she is immersed in the community, she falls in love with one of the most devout members, who helps her find the criminal. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Sidney Lumet
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1992 Wide
On DVD: Jun 3, 2003

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
I was deeply disappointed that the film ended up seeming too much like a promo for the conservative religion it espoused.
Jordan Hiller, Bangitout.com
What could easily have been another irritatingly earnest, clueless depiction of orthodox Jewish stereotypes, unfolds as an involving, challenging, and (most importantly) respectful treatment of [an] oft misrepresented religion
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
One of Lumet's weakest films. this is a dramatically preposterous and emotionaly unsatisfying tale of culture collision, further hampered by a reverential but inaccurate portrait of the Hassidic culture.
Clint Morris, Film Threat
A fantastic performance by Thal....genuinely captivating
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Halfway through this fascinating drama, it becomes clear that the filmmakers are less interested in solving the crime than in conveying the spiritual dynamism of the Hasidic community.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Leo L

A personal favorite.

Cast

            Melanie Griffith as Emily Eden

            Eric Thal as Ariel

            John Pankow as Levine

            Tracy Pollan as Mara

            Lee Richardson as Rebbe

            Mia Sara as Leah

            Jamey Sheridan as Nick Kemp

            Jake Weber as Yaakov

            Jack Beers as Rebbe's Assistant

            Christopher Collins as Chris Baldessari

            Drew Elliot as Inspector

            John Louis Fischer as Yussell

            James Gandolfini as Tony Baldessari

            Francoise Granville as French Rebbitzen

            Burtt Harris as Emily's Father

            Shifra Lerer as 1st Yiddish Woman

            Ro'ee Levi as Mendel

            David Margulies as Lieutenant Oliver

            Alexander Pasmur Jr. as Klausman Son

            Eleanor Reissa as 2nd Yiddish Woman

            Edward Rogers III as Detective Tedford

            David Rosenbaum as Mrs. Klausman

            Ira Rubin as French Rebbe

            Maurice Schell as Detective Marden

            Rena Sofer as Shayna

            Ruth Vool as Mrs. Klausman

            Paul Zim as Cantor

            Jack Gill as Zap Goon

            James Lovelett as File Room Clerk

            Joy Todd
            
            Steven Hamilton as Paramedic
See full cast