Prizmi Tripathi
‘Unorthodox’ is a coming of age story of a young woman, Esther “Esty” Shapiro, who struggles for emancipation in her ultra-orthodox Hasidic community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and ultimately runs away to start a meaningful life devoid of all the restrictions, in Berlin, Germany. But what pushes her to do that, you may ask? Well, as soon as Esty turns 18, she is made to tie the knot with a “normal” guy named Yakov, but trouble ensues and Esty runs away.
She reaches Berlin in pursuit of finding her voice, figuratively and literally. There she makes some friends who help her find a new perspective in life. However, things go awry as Esty is hunted by her husband Yakov (Yanky), and Moishe, a ruthless community member who has been given a second chance and getting Esty back home, is the only way he can redeem himself. How will Esty protect herself from the ghosts of her past?
Based on the eponymous 2012 memoir by Deborah Feldman, the mini-series was created and co-written by Alexa Karolinski. German filmmaker and actor Maria Schrader, best known for her performance in ‘Deutschland 83,’ ‘Deutschland 86’ and the upcoming ‘Deutschland 89,’ serves as the director of the series. It was lauded for Shira Haas’ brilliant performance, compelling storyline and stunning visuals. If you’re wondering about the filming locations of the self-empowerment tale, we have got your back. Read on.
Where Was Unorthodox Filmed?
Germany is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and its enhanced national incentive helps to garner the attention of international film production units. It has served as a backdrop for movies like ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1,’ ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,’ and many others. As a significant part of the show is set in Germany, the production department flew to Berlin to shoot the series. The filming wrapped up on August 6, 2019.
Here are the specific locations where ‘Unorthodox’ was filmed.
Berlin, Germany
The show was extensively filmed in and around the iconic city of Berlin. Known for its thrift shops, cafes, and a welcoming and creative population, mostly comprising Turkish people, the location scouts chose the district of Kreuzberg as the filming location for most scenes in the show.
Here’s a picture featuring Amit Rahav and Shira Haas, who play Yanky (Yatov) and Esty on the show.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzFzBFfiFVI/?igshid=h136mlszys7h
Jeff Wilbusch, who plays Moishe, shared a picture on his Instagram profile, from the set.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz54ns9h58w/?igshid=1x19y1udwkurh
Below is a behind the scenes picture shared by Shira Haas, from the filming location in Berlin.
Here’s a picture compilation of the crew having fun while shooting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4hwy5xHKA8/?igshid=17r2jm1iw5fig
Remember the scene where Esty gets married to Yatov? Well, here’s an on-location picture from that scene. Don’t forget to notice the headpiece.
Here’s one with the woman who made it possible, director Maria Schrader.
Located in the Charlottenburg neighborhood of Berlin, the cast and crew stayed at the luxurious Savoy Hotel during the filming of the show.
Another picture, featuring Shira Haas, chilling in the balcony.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Lhj41IRxj/?igshid=19id70c0w0hfa
The scenes set in New York were filmed at the CCC Filmstudios, located at 49/51, Daumstraße, 13599 Berlin, Germany.
The film production company, Real Film Berlin GmbH, also aided the show in producing high-quality content for the viewers.
Well, check out the 50 shades of beard and hair extensions, that were picked up for Amit Rahav’s character, Yanky (Yatov).
https://www.instagram.com/p/B03bfkgFw3S/?igshid=zxa9ebsuzhsl
The capital of Germany, Berlin, is known for its eclectic combination of art, culture, and historical heritage. If you need some Berlinspiration, you must check out the following movies that were filmed in Berlin – ‘Downfall,’ ‘The Lives of Others,’ ‘Inglourious Basterds,’ ‘The Bourne Film Series,’ among many others. And once you are in the city, you must visit Berlin Opera, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, The Reichstag, Museum Island, the German Historical Museum, Berlin’s Television Tower, several WWII sites like Topography of Terror.
By visiting historical sites like Brandenburg Gate and Holocaust Memorial, you can learn more about the turbulent history of the city. You can also check out the architectural splendor of The Gendarmenmarkt and Charlottenburg Palace and Park. Also, do not forget to try out the delicious Spätzle, Schnitzel, and world-famous Currywurst.
Read More: Best German Shows on Netflix
