The Chosen (1981)

Theatrical Release Information  |  See Details About All Versions

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, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

105 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Jeremy Kagan

Writer(s):

Edwin Gordon

Producer(s):

Ely Landau, Edie Landau, Jonathan Bernstein

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

PG(Adult Situations, Mild Violence, Suitable for Children)

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions