The Chosen (1981)
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82% of critics liked it
(11 reviews) -
77% of users liked it
(859 ratings)
The overemphatic acting of Robby Benson was something of an endurance test to certain critics of the 1980s, but even these carpers were impressed by Benson's outstanding performance in The Chosen. Set in the Brooklyn of the 1940s, the film elucidates the friendship between two young Jews of… More The overemphatic acting of Robby Benson was something of an endurance test to certain critics of the 1980s, but even these carpers were impressed by Benson's outstanding performance in The Chosen. Set in the Brooklyn of the 1940s, the film elucidates the friendship between two young Jews of differing factions. Benson is Hassidic, while Barry Miller is a Zionist. Though separated ideologically, the boys find a common bond through their love of stickball. Rod Steiger costars as Benson's rabbi father, delivering a performance virtually devoid of the mannered stridency that has marred many of his more recent film work. Based on a novel by Chaim Potok, The Chosen has become an annual Hannukah-season TV attraction in many cities; years after its release, the film served as the basis for a short-lived Broadway musical. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jeremy Kagan
- Genres
- Drama
PG,
- In Theaters
- Aug 1, 1981 Wide
- On DVD
- Sep 2, 2003
- Studio
- Westchester Films
Critic Reviews
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Michael Booth, Denver Post
A dedicated team of faithful adapters created a wonderfully rich movie version of the book in 1981, and the emotion and intellectual depths of the story resonate through the decades.
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Melissa Anderson, Time Out
A worthy but irretrievably dull homily.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
Certainly, this is a gently evocative movie, with its glimpses of a strict and self-contained culture, and its memories of a time gone by.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
An engaging family drama religious film that explores the ideological differences between two teenage Jewish friends.
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Emanuel Levy, Screendaily
Based on Potok's book, this well acted fammily drama set in Brooklyn after WWII, centers on the friendship between two Jewish boys who beong to different ideological factions
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Maximilian Schell
as David Malter
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Rod Steiger
as Reb Saunders
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Robby Benson
as Danny Saunders
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Barry Miller
as Reuven Malter
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Hildy Brooks
as Mrs. Saunders
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Ron Rifkin
as Baseball coach
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Val Avery
as Teacher
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Laura Delano
as Party Guest
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Carol Levy
as Party Guest
