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IMDbPro

The Chosen

  • 19811981
  • PGPG
  • 1h 48m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
2.2K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,659
11,645
The Chosen (1981)
In 1944, in Brooklyn, two Jewish kids become friends. One is from a very conservative family, and the other is more liberal. The issues of importance of tradition, parental expectations and the formation of Israel cause constant friction.
Play trailer1:52
1 Video
21 Photos
Drama
In 1944, in Brooklyn, two Jewish kids become friends. One is from a very conservative family, and the other is more liberal. The issues of importance of tradition, parental expectations and ... Read allIn 1944, in Brooklyn, two Jewish kids become friends. One is from a very conservative family, and the other is more liberal. The issues of importance of tradition, parental expectations and the formation of Israel cause constant friction.In 1944, in Brooklyn, two Jewish kids become friends. One is from a very conservative family, and the other is more liberal. The issues of importance of tradition, parental expectations and the formation of Israel cause constant friction.
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
2.2K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,659
11,645
    • Jeremy Kagan
    • Chaim Potok(novel)
    • Edwin Gordon(screenplay)
    • Jeremy Kagan(rewrite)
  • Stars
    • Maximilian Schell
    • Rod Steiger
    • Robby Benson
    • Jeremy Kagan
    • Chaim Potok(novel)
    • Edwin Gordon(screenplay)
    • Jeremy Kagan(rewrite)
  • Stars
    • Maximilian Schell
    • Rod Steiger
    • Robby Benson
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 23User reviews
    • 12Critic reviews
    • 66Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 1:52
    Watch Trailer

    Photos21

    The Chosen (1981)
    The Chosen (1981)
    The Chosen (1981)
    Robby Benson in The Chosen (1981)
    Robby Benson, Barry Miller, and Chaim Potok in The Chosen (1981)
    Maximilian Schell and Barry Miller in The Chosen (1981)
    Barry Miller in The Chosen (1981)
    Robby Benson, Rod Steiger, and Barry Miller in The Chosen (1981)
    Robby Benson and Barry Miller in The Chosen (1981)
    Robby Benson in The Chosen (1981)
    Robby Benson and Barry Miller in The Chosen (1981)
    Barry Miller and Ron Rifkin in The Chosen (1981)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Maximilian Schell
    Maximilian Schell
    • Professor David Malter
    Rod Steiger
    Rod Steiger
    • Reb Saunders
    Robby Benson
    Robby Benson
    • Danny Saunders
    Barry Miller
    Barry Miller
    • Reuven Malter
    Hildy Brooks
    Hildy Brooks
    • Mrs. Saunders
    Kaethe Fine
    • Shaindel Saunders
    Ron Rifkin
    Ron Rifkin
    • Baseball Coach
    Robert John Burke
    Robert John Burke
    • Levi Saunders
    • (as Robert Burke)
    Lonny Price
    Lonny Price
    • Davey
    Evan Handler
    Evan Handler
    • Sidney Goldberg
    Douglas Warhit
    Douglas Warhit
    • Sam
    Jeffrey Marcus
    Jeffrey Marcus
    • Schwartzie
    • (as Jeff Marcus)
    Stuart Charno
    Stuart Charno
    • 1st Baseman
    Richard Lifschutz
    • Hassidic Coach
    Clement Fowler
    • Doctor
    John Pankow
    John Pankow
    • Bully
    Richard Ziman
    • Bully
    Bruce MacVittie
    Bruce MacVittie
    • Bully
      • Jeremy Kagan
      • Chaim Potok(novel)
      • Edwin Gordon(screenplay)
      • Jeremy Kagan(rewrite) (uncredited)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Leading cast members Maximilian Schell and Rod Steiger apparently swapped roles just before production begun.
    • Goofs
      When Reuven and Danny go into Danny's bedroom on Shabbat (Sabbath) afternoon, Danny turns on a light. No Hasid would ever think to turn on a light on Shabbat.
    • Quotes

      [last lines]

      Reuven Malter: There is a story in the Talmud about a king who had a son who went astray. The son was told, 'Return to your father.' The son replied that he could not. The king then sent a messenger to the son with the message... 'Come back to me as far as you can, and I will meet you the rest of the way.

    • Connections
      Features Thrill of a Romance (1945)
    • Soundtracks
      Summer Bop
      Composed by Dick Hyman

    User reviews23

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    Better Each Time
    This Chosen is understated, yet so sincere and powerful. Boosted by exceptional performances by Steiger, Benson and Miller, the movie becomes more endearing with each viewing. The cinematography is muted, but lovely. Look for the little details, like the end scene (I won't spoil it-see if you can catch it), that makes The Chosen a must watch for a cozy afternoon with coffee.
    helpful•2
    0
    • rogerr1966
    • May 10, 2022

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 30, 1982 (United States)
      • United States
      • English
      • Hebrew
      • German
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
    • Production company
      • Chosen Film Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • 1 hour 48 minutes
      • Color
      • Mono

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