Israel Movie Night: “The Chosen” (1981)

Monday, October 16, 7:00 PM at ASBI

108 minutes
 

Based on Chaim Potok's 1967 novel, Jeremy Paul Kagan's “The Chosen” is set in the final months of World War II. Barry Miller stars as Reuven Malter, a New York high-schooler who has been raised by his father (Maximilian Schell) as a liberal Jew. In a neighborhood baseball game, Reuven encounters a group of young Hassidim and has his eye injured by a line drive hit by the soft-spoken and socially awkward Danny Saunders (Robby Benson).

In spite of the lingering animosity and cultural differences that separate the two, Reuven and Danny become friends. Danny's father (Rod Steiger) is a respected Rebbe and to gain his approval, Reuven must prove his intellect and faith. Reb Saunders is concerned not only about Danny's friendship with Reuven, but also about the influence Reuven's father—a Zionist intellectual—may have upon the young student's future. The more of life that Danny experiences "outside the fold", the more concerned his father becomes that he might betray his spiritual
legacy.

Sponsored by the Israel Committee.

Pizza, pop, popcorn, and chips will be served.