But she soon discovers the downside of being an independent woman in such a cocooned world. Increasingly she finds her expected role as homemaker and mother too respective, her initiative stifled and even her tender impulses rebuffed.

In particular, her own naturally exuberant sexuality shocks her dutiful but weak husband, who seems more concerned about decorum than the honesty of his marriage.

Sonia takes refuge in an illicit, one-sided affair with her hypocritical brother-in-law, Sender.

When - to the shock of her family - Sonia finds passionate release with a Latino artist, she finds herself quickly stigmatized as an immoral woman, cut off from any lifelines, carpeted before authority, ostracized, separated from her baby son, and finally thrown onto the street. It makes all of the force of her character to struggle against this injustice until Mendel's belated realisation of his love for Sonia, and her own determination bring about a reconciliation.

Throughout, Sonia has remained true to herself, and despite her tribulations has carved out one small piece of dignity and freedom.

From acclaimed writer/director Boaz Yakin ("Fresh") comes "A Price Above Rubies", the passionate, provacative tale of a young woman discovers, and must come to grips with the power of her own sexuality and individuality. Produced by Lawrence Bender. Casts include Renee Zellweger, Christopher Eccleston, Julianna Margulies and Glenn Fitzgerald.