If you have to believe in something, you may as well believe in love.|Apr. 14, 2000|United States|127 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy;Romance
Description: Father Brian Finn, a devoted Catholic priest since childhood, works alongside the elder Father Havel in a New York parish. His lifelong friend, Rabbi Jacob “Jake” Schram, is the youngest rabbi at his synagogue and is deeply committed to his work, often neglecting his personal life. The two share a strong bond and collaborate on plans to establish a community center together. Both fondly recall their childhood friend Anna Reilly, who they met in middle school after she courageously stood up to a bully. The trio remained inseparable until Anna’s family moved to California, leading to their eventual separation.
Sixteen years later, Anna unexpectedly returns to New York for work and reconnects with Jake and Brian. Her reappearance reignites their friendship, but complicates their lives as Jake and Anna begin a secret romance. Jake hesitates to commit to Anna because she is not Jewish, fearing it may alienate his congregation and disappoint his mother, Ruth, who previously disowned her oldest son for marrying outside their faith. To avoid conflict and protect Brian’s feelings, they keep their relationship hidden. However, Jake struggles to take the relationship seriously, even as Anna subtly expresses her desire for a future together. Their dynamic becomes strained when Jake downplays their relationship during an encounter with members of his congregation.
Meanwhile, Brian wrestles with his own emotions as he develops feelings for Anna, which clash with his priestly vows. Misinterpreting her actions and words—some of which were intended for Jake—he even has an intimate dream about her. Conflicted and tormented, Brian contemplates leaving the priesthood to pursue a romantic relationship with Anna.
Cast director: Edward Norton
Cast actor: Ben Stiller, Edward Norton, Jenna Elfman, Anne Bancroft, Eli Wallach, Ron Rifkin, Miloš Forman, Holland Taylor, Lisa Edelstein, Rena Sofer
Original name: Keeping the Faith