Crossing Delancey

Crossing Delancey is an enchanting film that bridges the gap between old-world values and contemporary urban life in 1988. Drawing its audience into a comfortable yet compelling world between modern Manhattan and the traditional life of the Lower East Side, the film weaves an engrossing tale of love, culture, and the challenges and rewards of respecting one's roots.

The leading heroine of Crossing Delancey is Isabelle Grossman, played by Amy Irving, a vivacious and independent woman who works in a prestigious Manhattan bookstore. Isabelle loves and respects the literary elite she interacts with daily, immersing herself in a world far removed from her Jewish roots on Manhattan's Lower East Side. However, she finds herself compelled to visit her grandmother, or "Bubbie"—a character brought to life with exquisite skill by Reizl Bozyk, who's wise and deeply rooted in the old-world values of faith, family, and community.

Despite being comfortable in her own space, Isabelle is frequently nudged towards marriage by her grandmother, leading her towards an inner struggle between her modern life and her familial traditions. She reluctantly agrees to let her grandmother hire a matchmaker — a delightful and authentic performance by Sylvia Miles.

The matchmaker introduces Isabelle to Sam Posner, a humble, kind-hearted local pickle vendor portrayed by Peter Riegert. Riegert brilliantly portrays the character of Sam, enriching him with depth, intellect, and charm cloaked in simplicity. He is the opposite of the sophisticated intellectuals Isabelle so adores, but his authentic character and kind heart offer a contrast that pulls the strings of the audience's hearts.

Although the plot seems straightforward, Crossing Delancey is far from a typical romantic comedy. The screenplay by Susan Sandler, also the author of the play from which the film is adapted, brings its characters to life in a way that authentically captures the essence of Jewish life in that era, gently threading themes of culture, identity, and love throughout the narrative.

Director Joan Micklin Silver skillfully blends humor, romance, and drama into the narrative fabric of the film, crafting each scene with care to create a true masterpiece. She knows how to get to the heart of her characters, and as a result, the audience can fully engage with their experiences.

Amy Irving delivers an incredibly nuanced performance as Isabelle. She unrolls the complexities of her character — a sometimes independent, sometimes vulnerable, modern woman — with genuine emotional depth and sensitivity. This, combined with the tremendous comic timing demonstrated in the film, solidifies her performance as a major highlight.

Peter Riegert's portrayal of Sam Posner is both fitting and heartfelt, separate from the types of roles he's traditionally known for. His character resonates with raw honesty, subtly conveying the enamoring simplicity, warmth, and straightforwardness that bridges the social and cultural gap between Isabelle and Sam.

This film is a must-watch for lovers of romantic comedies that step outside of predictable cliches. It explores numerous themes such as culture clash, the pursuit of sophisticated life, the pull of grounded roots, and the age-old struggle between the heart and the mind in matters of love.

Equally important are its supporting characters and performances — from Irving's co-workers at the upscale bookstore to the colorful individuals who populate the streets of the Lower East Side. Each character feels real and rounded, enhancing the richness and authenticity of the narrative.

Crossing Delancey tells a warm, sweet, and engaging story that is universally relatable in its exploration of love, life, and the search for genuine happiness. As the plot-line interweaves the modern and the traditional, the ordinary and the extraordinary, it resonates authenticity and creates a sense of nostalgia for a cultural context that is quickly disappearing.

With sterling performances, distinct and vibrant characters, and a well-crafted screenplay that addresses love and culture in a funny, honest, and heartfelt manner, Crossing Delancey takes its viewers on a unique and enjoyable cinematic journey. The film is an undeniable testament to the power of simplicity in storytelling, inviting its audience to fall in love with its characters, their journey, and the city they inhabit.