Is Rough Diamonds Based on a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained
by A Maria
Updated Apr 25, 2023
Rough Diamonds Movie
On Friday, a new drama series was released on Netflix that revolves around an Orthodox Jewish family belonging to the Haredi community, who operates a business in Antwerp's renowned diamond district. The show is called "Rough Diamonds" and has garnered comparisons to the popular Israeli series "Shtisel."
Produced jointly by Keshet International from Israel and De Mensen from Belgium, the plot follows the Wolfson family as they face internal conflicts and business challenges after a family member's death. The main character, who had left the Haredi community 15 years ago, returns to Antwerp to investigate his relative's demise and help revive the family business's success.
Is Rough Diamonds Based on a True Story?
Although "Rough Diamonds" is not based on true events, it draws inspiration from the diamond district in Antwerp, Belgium, and centers around the lives of the Hasidic Jewish community. The show has been in development for six years, and according to producer Pieter Van Huyck, the goal was to showcase the two unique features of Antwerp- the diamond trade and the Chasidic community.
Over the last 500 years, Jews migrated to Belgium and started their own businesses with diamonds as they were not allowed to do certain jobs, leading to their success in the diamond trade. Antwerp's diamond quarter is a renowned hub for diamond-related activities with the majority of rough diamonds in the world passing through it, and the Jewish community has been an integral part of it. However, in recent years, new players have emerged in the market, and the show acknowledges this fact and integrates it into the storyline.
Rough Diamonds Ending Explained
In the first season's finale of "Rough Diamonds," Noah finds himself in a difficult situation and decides to give up Kerra's location in London to protect his family and himself. Unfortunately, Kerra is arrested, and the police recover stolen diamonds from both Antwerp and London. However, Noah's decision may have consequences for him in the upcoming season, as it is uncertain whether he also revealed Matthias' name, or if Kerra disclosed it during the investigation.
Nevertheless, Matthias becomes a state witness and meets a tragic end as he is shot by the Albanian Mafia. On the other hand, Jo agrees to the settlement with the Wolfsons, which saves their family from the impending trial. However, Noah's actions have created new challenges that he must confront in the next season. As the news of the recovered diamonds spreads, he becomes a target of the Albanian Mafia, who now know about his involvement in the heist. Noah must navigate the dangerous diamond business underworld while also finding a way to protect himself and his family.
Rough Diamonds Netflix Cast
Kevin Janssens
Noah Wolfson
Vincent Van Sande
Yanki Wolfson
Robby Cleiren
Eli Wolfson
Ini Massez
Adina Glazer
Yona Elian
Sarah Wolfson
Marie Vinck
Gila Wolfson
Els Dottermans
Jo Smets
Casper Knopf
Tommy McCabe
Janne Desmet
Rivki Wolfson
Seth Allyn Austin
Noah Wolfson
Dudu Fisher
Ezra Wolfson
Jeroen Van der Ven
Benny Feldman
Tine Joustra
Kerra McCabe
Kasper Vandenberghe
Maarten Prinsen
Gene Bervoets
Matthias Dumont
Sofie Decleir
Nicole Van Goethem
CAST
CHARACTER
Rough Diamonds Review
At first glance, "Rough Diamonds" seems to be a thriller that focuses on a man's efforts to uncover smuggling and gambling activities that could put his family in danger. However, the themes of family and religion that underlie the story add a layer of complexity and raise the stakes for the protagonist, Noah. Although it is not clear why Noah left the ultra-Orthodox sect in Antwerp, it is evident that he is frustrated with his family's focus on their reputation over their family members' well-being.
Moreover, Noah's skills in confronting the bookie Yanki suggest that he is more than just a shipping supervisor, and his intriguing backstory holds promise for further exploration as he tries to save his family's business. Noah's insider/outsider status with the closed-off family and society is further highlighted by his recitation of the Mourner's Kaddish at Yanki's gravesite. Although he appears hesitant to return to the ultra-Orthodox sect, there is a part of him that remains connected to it. It will be fascinating to see how this dynamic plays out in the story.
Rough Diamonds Plot
Yanki Wolfson's suicide in the diamond district office in Antwerp prompts his long-estranged brother, Noah, to return from London after fifteen years. Upon investigation, Noah learns that Yanki had incurred a massive gambling debt and had been involved with dangerous people. As a member of a London crime family, Noah steps in to handle the situation but soon realizes the problem is far more extensive than he initially assumed.
The Wolfson family is millions of dollars in debt, and their money is entangled with an Albanian mob boss, causing significant financial issues. Noah enlists the help of his mother-in-law, Kerra, to make a deal with the Albanians, but he quickly realizes that they won't let go of the family's financial assets so quickly, leading to further complications.
Is Rough Diamonds based on a True Story - FAQs
"Rough Diamonds" is a new drama series on Netflix that focuses on an Orthodox Jewish family from the Haredi community operating a diamond business in Antwerp, Belgium. After a family member's death, the main character, who had left the community 15 years ago, returns to Antwerp to investigate the incident and help revive the family business's success. The show follows the family's internal conflicts and business challenges.
"Rough Diamonds" is a joint production of Keshet International from Israel and De Mensen from Belgium.
"Shtisel" is a popular Israeli drama series that also portrays a Haredi Jewish community. Both shows share similarities in depicting the religious and cultural practices of the community, as well as exploring the dynamics of family relationships. However, "Rough Diamonds" focuses more on the diamond industry and the family's business challenges, while "Shtisel" is centered on the daily lives of the characters.
The main character is Noah Wolfson, who had left the Haredi community 15 years ago and returns to Antwerp after a family member's death. Other main characters include his estranged family members, Kerra (his mother-in-law), and various individuals in the diamond industry.
"Rough Diamonds" explores themes such as family, religion, loyalty, betrayal, business, and the diamond industry.