Yentl

Despite an ostensibly somber tone and an autumnal look that gives the film a burnished coffee-table feel, Barbra Streisand's directorial debut "Yentl", about a turn-of-the-century Jewish girl disguising herself as a boy to study the Talmud (religious writings for men only), has a lot of heart, a romantic soul and a ticklish sense of humor. Streisand's strengths as an actress are never more apparent, and as a director she's thoughtful and careful, though perhaps too anxious to display her sentiment (leading to a woebegone conclusion which peaks and ebbs before the fade-out). Streisand is the only actor who sings, and the songs--though mostly ornate and melodramatic--are cleverly interwoven into the narrative. The final number (something about rebelling against "a piece of sky") is simply too much, but Barbra is in strong, assured voice throughout and she gets wonderful acting support from Mandy Patinkin (in arguably his finest performance, which should have netted an Oscar nomination) and Amy Irving (who did receive an Oscar nod). An enjoyable film with a surprisingly light-hearted quality which catches one off-guard. *** from ****

A very different type of musical/drama. If you watch unbiased, I think you will find it has a little something for everyone. The film has beautiful direction, wonderful performances, lovely music, some sly humor, and is truly inspirational.

Barbra Streisand had wanted to make this film since 1968, but everyone in the industry told her she was crazy. In 1979, she was still determined to make the film, even if the studio's weren't. She was turned down by every motion picture company at least twice, until finally in the early eighties, MGM/UA picked up the project. Made on a then-above average budget of about $14 million, YENTL was released to mostly positive reviews and eventually grossed a surprisingly strong $50 million in the US alone and did twice as well around the world. The only disappointment is that Streisand was snubbed by Oscar.

I recommend you see this movie if only for the singing at the end! It is wonderful! I am only a new-comer to Streisand movies, but I loved her in 'The Mirror Has Two Faces', and 'The Prince of Tides'. I saw the end of 'Yentl' when it was on TV a few months ago and absolutely loved the singing, and after seeing 'The Prince of Tides', I had to borrow it out just to see another Streisand movie! 'Yentl' is inspirational, and the singing is great! I recommend it!

"Yentl" as a very impressive film. Watching it it is hard to believe that it was made by a first time feature film director.

People hate this film because Barbra is in it. She is wonderful. I get tired of hearing people say that "Barbra was too old" for the role. Well she doesn't play "Yentl" that was from the short story. She plays Yentl in her 30's. HEr father from the book is even aged by 20 years.

The story of this film is that the main character has a thirst for learning. After her father's death she disguises herself as a man so she continue her studies in a time where women's higher education was forbidden.

Yentl then falls in love with a man who unknown to him that his new best friend happens to be a woman.

My only problem with this film is that it is a little long but it is never boring. In my opinion if this film was directed by a man we would still be singing the films praises today.

I'll be the first to admit that Barbra Streisand is not my favorite performer--I can take her or leave her, depending on my mood. However, I enjoyed Yentl immensely, despite its flaws.

First of all, the music is magnificent. Michel Legrand wrote songs that are both perfect for the movie and can be taken out of context as concert material (some of them, anyway--"Papa, Can You Hear Me?" is somewhat of a stretch). However, I was supremely disappointed that Mandy Patinkin doesn't sing a note in this movie. Obviously, the movie was meant for Barbra--it was HER baby--but still. Why cast Mandy as your leading man (and he was very appealing, I must say) in a "movie-musical" and not write a single song for him? Gah.

And to everyone who says that the movie is not credible because Barbra could never pass as a man, I say listen to the soundtrack. There's a lyric in "Tomorrow Night" (the one about her wedding to Hadass) that says "They may have eyes but they don't see,/They never really look at me./People are blind!/How else would everyone believe me?" Yentl didn't think that her plan would ever work, but people are easily deceived by her man's clothing.

Anyway. I liked this movie very much, and I certainly recommend it, but I can see how, if one can't stomach Barbra Streisand, it might be a bit jarring and obnoxious.