O anjo Levine

Only viewers who are partial to stories that don't clearly differentiate between the real and the imaginary are likely to respond positively to this picture. But the fuzziness of that dividing line is one of the major themes, and as such is rendered effectively. Levine may be an angel from above, or merely a hoodlum with a snappy line of patter - along with a conscience. To its credit, the story works both ways. And if Mishkin has the same beneficial effect on Levine's spiritual life that Levine has on Mishkin's, then the story works on yet a third level of interpretation. The picture slows noticeably in a few spots: as an adaptation of a short story it cannot quite sustain a hour and forty minutes of running time without flagging a bit. Zero Mostel is outstanding, bringing the character to life with every gesture, inflection, movement and facial expression. Harry Belafonte's limited range is barely adequate, but the small supporting cast is a strong one. Those who savor the real/imaginary byplay are also likely to enjoy "Finding Graceland" and "Bronco Billy."

Any film starring Zero Mostel is worth watching, and The Angel Levine is no exception. Sadly the film has aged rather poorly, with Harry Belafonte's hipster jive clearly belonging in the New York City of 30 years ago. Whether the film should be viewed literally, as a tale of personal redemption and healing, or as the fable most reviewers assume it to be, is uncertain. There's enough good acting here--especially from Mostel and Ida Kaminska as his dying wife--to recommend this strange little art piece.

An intriguing exploration of life and death, guilt and redemption. Milo O'Shea, Ida Kaminska, and especially Zero Mostel are all expert with complicated (Bernard Malamud) material. But it is Harry Belafonte as the "angel" Levine that makes this must viewing. Truly fascinating to watch. An odd, but worthwhile film.

Jewish tailor Morris Mishkin (Zero Mostel) can't work anymore due to a back problem. He's disowned his daughter for marrying an Italian. He's got a wife who's very ill and the bills just keep piling up. Times are tough, to say the least. An angel named Alexander (Harry Belafonte) appears to Morris offering to help. But Morris has lost his faith so he doesn't believe in angels, let alone black ones who use foul language and yell a lot. But Alexander can't help unless Morris believes again.

Good cast can only do so much. The script has some nice moments but is mostly a meandering mess. It has a limited premise yet it feels incredibly padded. It's full of familiar stereotypes and tropes, albeit mostly well-meaning ones. Your mileage may vary on how much the intention matters. It's a simple culture clash story with a little bit of dated social commentary and a downbeat ending that makes you feel like your time was wasted. A disappointing but not entirely worthless viewing experience.

... and I DO mean it. If not literally (after all, I have not seen every movie ever created!), at least, obviously, among the ones, the many I know.

5.3 ??? The rule of thumb with IMDb is this: sometimes movies rated very highly (for example, the piece of Kannes-Kompetition-Krowned-Korean-Kraap called "Oldboy") can be truly bad. But rarely a movie worth watching is actually rated under 6. This movie, very much worth watching, is. A disgrace.

True, I give it a 10 in protest. The movie is not perfect. Its true rating should be an 8 or a 9. It has some acting flaws (Belafonte especially), the script wanders around, sometimes. However, what we have here is one of the greatest directors of all times, the Czech Jan Kadar, directing two of the greatest actors of all time, the beloved, larger-than-life Zero Mostel and the sublime Ida Kaminska in an acting/poetic/moral tour de force. A pair made in Heaven! It's true that this movie, little flaws apart, does not pander to the average audiences, but those interested in watching an excellent (while, again, not beyond criticism) movie of the incomparable director who gave us "The Shop on the Main Street" (the best movie ever about Holocaust) should not miss this just because some silly IMDb rating system decides that "American Beauty" is better than "The Angel Levine".

It isn't.