Adapted from Chaim Potok's best-selling novel, this film examines the differences among Orthodox Jews and conflicts between fathers and sons. Set in Brooklyn in the 1940's, the story focuses on two sons (Robbie Benson and Barry Miller) and two fathers (Maximilian Schell and Rod Steiger): Danny, the brilliant scion of a Hasidic dynasty in training to succeed his formidable father as Grand Rabbi; and Reuven, the son of a worldly progressive scholar. The boys develop a strong friendship and find themselves influenced by the other's father. When the fathers enter into a bitter, passionate conflict over the issue of Zionism, their devoted and dutiful sons must part ways-until one makes the painful choice to oppose his father and claim his own destiny.

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The National Center For Jewish Film Brandeis University, Lown 102, MS053, Waltham MA 02454 P: (781) 899 7044, F: (781) 736 2070

The Chosen

USA, 1982, 108 minutes, color
Directed by Jeremy Paul Kagan

Public Exhibition 16mm Rental also available