L'élu

The first word to define it was "magnificent". For the delicate freshness. For the precise definition of tradition, fatherhood, Hasidic life, friendship. For the inspired portrait of the birth of a world. For lovely performances. For the grace of atmosphere. And for its status of film about fundamental things defining each of us. A great film, a pure gem.

First----a comment about a "review" from one natew73 which you issued on Jan. 27, 2023. I have been an IMDB supporter and contributor for over 20 years, and have never in all those years seen anything like this piece. It denigrates IMDB for you to have allowed such a biased, vituperative and inflammatory commentary to be shared with your wide audience. Please take another look at it. Surely you made a mistake in approving this language for publication.

Second----The Chosen is a serious and important film, and has much to say in a respectful and entertaining way about a profound clash of cultures, religious values, ideas, hopes, dreams and expectations in life. One reviewer analogized the story to a similar dichotomy in the Mennonite community------a positive tribute to the universal nature of the issues the film tackled. The Chosen is not perfect, but it is significant, thought-provoking and intelligent. What more could you reasonably want out of Hollywood?

Third----seeing it again recently after so many years brought back some lingering thoughts I had about the movie (and the book as well). I still don't understand how the Rebbe (Danny's father), who by his accent and background was intended to suggest an unassimilated Eastern European immigrant character, came by his obviously Anglicized family name of "Saunders." It just never made any sense to me. I am still greatly impressed by the remarkable performance of Rod Steiger as the Rebbe. Steiger's effort reminded me of a similar power that often appeared in the acting of Lee J. Cobb. Steiger almost made me believe that he actually was Jewish (which he was not) until in one scene toward the end of the film, he inadvertently stumbled over pronunciation of the Hebrew word ""Tzadik"------which may be loosely translated to mean a righteous person. Steiger said Zadik" leaving the letter "T" silent. That is incorrect.

Fourth-----in retrospect, many (if not most) of the films made in Hollywood over the years that dealt with problems arising from various interactions with the American Orthodox Jewish community seem rather contrived and unrealistic.. This has been true from The Jazz Singer (1927) through A Stranger Among Us (a/k/a Close to Eden) (1992) and A Price Above Rubies (1998). On the other hand, The Chosen represents a sincere attempt to tell its story with honesty and conviction and only a minimal amount of artifice. Again----what more could you reasonably expect out of Hollywood?

Fifth-----I have always regretted that the film version of The Chosen never included an in-person scene between the two fathers (Steiger and Maximilian Schell) that would have provided an opportunity for them to debate with each other their respective views about the great ideas that kept them so far apart. They were two honorable and decent characters and both admirable in so many different ways. How would you like to have been a fly on the wall if that ever happened?

Sixth----The Chosen is one of the great Hollywood films made during the 1980s, and it deserves to be rescued from obscurity by a contemporary audience.

This film is beautiful and thought-provoking in a number of ways. The story is a "normal" account of two Jewish boys growing up during World War II and the creation of the Jewish State. The situations in the film are not overly dramatized or sensationalized. Regular moments with family and friends are rightly judged to be sufficiently interesting to form the basis of a compelling drama.

Historical context serves as a vibrant backdrop for the lives of traditional Jews, who form an ever-diminishing minority, and progressive Jews, who still seek to hold to their heritage while embracing aspects of modern life. The conflict between the two worldviews is marvelously expressed through the friendship of the two boys and through the differences in their fathers, each of whom completely embodies a certain way of life. The film also makes a strong point about children following and not following in their parents' footsteps, and how someone's essence is more important than his career.

There is a Jewish-inspired pathos to this movie that is difficult to describe, but very moving to watch. The acting is great, and the writing is unparalleled. For a long time, I considered this my very favorite film. I have since realized that no one film can possibly occupy that spot, but this one is forever at the top of my list.

I got this movie out from Dambusters in Golders Green not knowing how good it was going to be. This film is a joy to watch from start to finish. The acting is superb and the script is great as well.

The film provides an excellent drama between two Jewish guys one secular the other the son of a prominent frum Rabbi. Over the span of the film, you see their friendship develop and there are some real classic images of hassidic life including a Chassidic wedding. All the main actors play their part with real affection and dedication. Rod Steiger is in particular outstanding. This is all the more impressive given that guy was a non-jew.

This film should have won Oscars. Ach, what do they know?

As World War II winds down, young and assimilated Jewish-American Barry Miller (as Reuven Malter) and his New York City street team agree to play a group of "very orthodox" Hasidic young men. The traditionally dressed Jews turn out to be quite good at the game, especially steely-eyed power hitter Robbie Benson (as Daniel "Danny" Saunders); he's also a genius. When Mr. Miller tries to strike Mr. Benson out at bat, Benson retaliates with a line-drive to Miller's face. Hospitalized, Miller is told he could possibly lose sight in his left eye, from the injury. Filled with guilt and curiosity, Benson decides to visit Miller.

Benson and Miller are intrigued by their cultural differences, and slowly become close friends.

However, politics rears an ugly head when the post-war partitioning of Palestine threatens Benson and Miller's friendship. A Zionist like his Professor father Maximilian Schell (as David Malter), Miller favoring the creation of Israel. A fundamentalist like his Rabbi father Rod Steiger (as Isaac Saunders), Benson believes the Jewish state should be created according to scripture. With great source material from writer Chaim Potok, and fine poetic performances, "The Chosen" overcomes some of its mid-section sluggishness. The opening parts are captivating, and Benson's closing scene with Mr. Steiger is a tearful peak.

******* The Chosen (8/81) Jeremy Kagan ~ Robbie Benson, Barry Miller, Rod Steiger, Maximilian Schell