The Chosen

The Chosen, a captivating film from 1981, is a significant cinematic achievement that penetrates deeply into the heart of religious and secular philosophies, exploring profound themes of friendship, family, faith, and understanding. Directed by Jeremy Kagan and starring the renowned actors Maximilian Schell, Rod Steiger, and Robby Benson, the film is an adaptation of the celebrated novel by Chaim Potok.

The story unfolds in the past, specifically in 1940s Brooklyn, offering a fascinating historical setting that serves as a backdrop for some extraordinary character dynamics. It centers on the evolving friendship between two Jewish boys, Reuven Malter (Barry Miller) and Danny Saunders (Robby Benson), who hail from dissimilar yet co-existing Jewish communities. Despite their initial adversarial encounter in a baseball game, they forge an unexpected yet firm friendship.

Maximilian Schell plays the character of Professor David Malter, a wise, pragmatic, and passionate man who strongly believes in the importance of change and adjustment in accordance with time, a driving force behind his liberal Jewish beliefs. He is the father of Reuven, a character he impresses with his modern ideologies. On the other end, Rod Steiger plays Rabbi Saunders, a tzaddik (righteous man) of a strict Hasidic community. He’s an intriguing character who emphasizes tradition and secrecy. The Rabbi hopes to pass on his position as a tzaddik to his son, Danny, but Danny, gifted with a brilliant and curious mind, yearns to explore the world beyond his community's orthodox boundaries.

The film delves deep into the inherent cultural and philosophical differences between these two Jewish sects as it traces the parallel stories of Reuven and Danny. The friendship between both characters acts as a bridge, linking their contrasting worlds and facilitating their mutual understanding. Their journey of friendship also demonstrates the power of shared understanding and tolerance, despite differing religious convictions and practices.

One of the distinctive aspects of The Chosen is its beautiful exploration of Jewish faith, traditions, and customs. It doesn't merely touch the surface but delves deep into the intricacies of these traditions, offering audiences a beautifully crafted, informed, and compelling outlook into a side of Jewish culture generally less explored in American cinema of that era.

Throughout the film, there are beautifully crafted sequences and dialogue exchanges that prompt contemplation about faith, tradition, personal freedom, and their relationships with one another. This thought-provoking narrative is further supported by strong performances from its main actors. Maximilian Schell and Rod Steiger both offer compelling and nuanced performances, contributing significantly to the depth and emotional resonance of the film. Barry Miller and Robby Benson do equally justice to their roles, providing complexity and conviction to their characters.

The Chosen doesn't rely on melodrama or flashy theatrics. Instead, it unfolds in a slow, deliberate manner, inviting its audience to partake in a thoughtful cinematic experience. The direction by Jeremy Kagan is commendable for its delicate balance of the film's heavy thematic components with its visual storytelling. The screenplay by Edwin Gordon, based on Chaim Potok's novel, succeeds in deftly presenting a complex narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

The distinct and contrasting cultural portrayals and the intense character studies, coupled with exceptional performances, make The Chosen a film that transcends religious themes. It becomes a universal exploration of life's larger questions such as father-son relationships, changing ideologies, personal freedom, and the struggle that comes with the growth and understanding of oneself within a wider and interconnected world.

The Chosen is a visually evocative film suffused with compelling performances and an intellectually stimulating narrative. It gives you a glimpse into concepts and traditions you may not be familiar with and encourages respecting, understanding, and embracing differences. It is truly a film that remains relevant and continues to resonate in this multicultural and multi-faith world.