Hester Street (1975)

67% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(515 ratings)

Among the first releases in the new wave of independent films of the 1970s, writer/director Joan Micklin Silver's portrait of turn-of-the-century New York is also important for its unflinching portrait of women's issues. Russian Jewish immigrant Gitl (Carol Kane) joins her husband Jake (Steven… More Among the first releases in the new wave of independent films of the 1970s, writer/director Joan Micklin Silver's portrait of turn-of-the-century New York is also important for its unflinching portrait of women's issues. Russian Jewish immigrant Gitl (Carol Kane) joins her husband Jake (Steven Keats) in New York after he has gone ahead to establish himself. Jake has quickly assimilated many American customs, much to the dismay of Gitl, who clings to her Old World ways. Gitl's discovery of how Jake was able to finance her trip to America leads to more tension, and Gitl is soon on her own with few resources on which to draw. Although the film performed modestly at the box office, it was a sign of changing times when Kane's quietly assured performance was nominated for an Academy award, a rare recognition by Hollywood of a film made outside the studio system. ~ Tom Wiener, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Joan Micklin Silver
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Oct 19, 1975 Wide
On DVD: Dec 21, 2004

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
a worthy attempt and important as an example of women's efforts to finally carve their own place in the world of filmmaking, but it's just not a great movie.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though lacking plot or in-depth characterization, Silver's ultra-modest debut is likable, in large measure due to her channeling of 1970s feminist approach to a little documented turn of the century immigreants' yarn
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)
Worthwhile as a document of life in New York's Jewish tenements, but its miniscule budget pinches and, for this reason and others, its period detail is sometimes unconvincing.
Brent Simon, Now Playing Magazine
Hester Street still doesn't feel dated or worn, but rather universal.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
[S]tagey and static, confined to small sets that seem to pen in the energetic cast...
Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online
Carol Kane is terrific in this moving, handsomely photographed tale.