Rough Diamonds Story:-
Rough Diamonds is a Flemish-language Netflix Original series created by Rotem Shamir, focusing on the Wolfson family and their diamond business, alongside the challenges they face in maintaining both their business and personal reputations. Kevin Janssens portrays Noah, who departed from his Haredi family to pursue a life in London. However, when he returns to Antwerp with his son Tommy (played by Casper Knopf) for a funeral, marking his first visit since essentially being excommunicated for leaving the community, he finds himself compelled to support the family business he had previously sought to escape.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 21 April 2023 |
| Language | Dutch |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Cast | Casper Knopf, Kevin Janssens, Marie Vinck, Ini Massez, Robbie Cleiren, Els Dottermans, Yona Elian, Janne Desmet, Tine Joustra, Gene Bervoets |
| Director | Cecilia Verheyden, Rotem Shamir |
| Writer | Rotem Shamir, Yuval Yefet |
| Cinematography | Danny Elsen, Moshe Mishali |
| Producer | Pieter Van Huyck, Ivy Vanhaecke |
| Production | De Mensen, Keshet International |
| Certificate | 16+ |
What sets Rough Diamonds apart from other depictions of Jewish communities, particularly those featuring non-Jewish actors or focusing solely on individuals leaving orthodox communities, is its portrayal of a Haredi family and their broader community, with a protagonist who is “off the derech” (departed from the path). However, while the show incorporates specific Jewish elements, it primarily revolves around crime, family dynamics, and community intrigue, with its Jewish context providing depth and flavor rather than being the sole focus.
The series excels in depicting the influence of religious values, customs, and restrictions on every aspect of the characters’ lives and interactions. From Noah’s strained relationship with his family to the roles of women in business and the timing of religious holidays, the Jewish context shapes the family dynamics and adds excitement to the overall narrative.
At its core, Rough Diamonds shines brightest when exploring family dynamics, secrets, and grudges. While the central plotline revolving around the diamond industry adds depth to the narrative, it isn’t always as compelling or easy to follow. However, the internal conflicts within the Wolfson family, particularly between Noah’s siblings Eli and Rivki, and the development of Tommy’s relationship with his newfound family, are consistently engaging. Additionally, the romantic tension between Noah and his ex-fiance Gila adds further depth to the storyline.
The series maintains a strong pace throughout, with engaging beginning and ending episodes, though it could benefit from tighter pacing in some middle episodes. Despite occasional pacing issues, the show delivers plenty of twists and a gripping conclusion. Casper Knopf’s intense performance as Tommy, along with the chemistry between him and Janne Desmet, adds depth to their characters and helps sell their storyline.
In summary, Rough Diamonds may fall short in its portrayal of the diamond industry but compensates with compelling family drama and the specificity of depicting a Haredi Jewish family.
