Yentl (1983)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

Barbra Streisand

Writers:

Jack Rosenthal (screenplay) and
Barbra Streisand (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

9 December 1983 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Musical | Romance

Tagline:

A film with music.

Plot:

A Jewish girl disguises herself as a boy to enter religious training.

Plot Keywords:

Jewish | Tradition | Torah | Marriage Of Convenience | Jew

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 3 wins & 12 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Mon. July 13	3:00 PM	SHOW
Tue. July 14	3:45 AM	SHOW
Thur. July 16	3:45 PM	SHOW

Cast

Barbra Streisand	...	Yentl
Mandy Patinkin	...	Avigdor
Amy Irving	...	Hadass
Nehemiah Persoff	...	Reb Mendel 'Papa'
Steven Hill	...	Reb Alter Vishkower
Allan Corduner	...	Shimmele
Ruth Goring	...	Esther Rachel
David de Keyser	...	Rabbi Zalman (as David De Keyser)
Bernard Spear	...	Tailor
Doreen Mantle	...	Mrs. Shaemen
Lynda Baron	...	Peshe (as Lynda Barron)
Jack Lynn	...	Bookseller
Anna Tzelniker	...	Mrs. Kovner
Miriam Margolyes	...	Sarah
Mary Henry	...	Mrs. Jacobs

Runtime:

132 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby | 4-Track Stereo (Dolby Magnetic 35mm prints)

Certification:

Iceland:L | Argentina:13 | Australia:PG | Chile:14 | Finland:S | France:U | Sweden:Btl | UK:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK

Company:

United Artists

Trivia:

Yentl was a stage play that opened at the Eugene O'Neil Theater on October 23, 1975 and ran for 223 performances starring Tovah Feldshuh.

Quotes:

Yentl: If we don't have to hide my studying from God, then why from the neighbors?
Yentl's Father: Why? Because I trust God will understand. I'm not so sure about the neighbors.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Will & Grace: Sons and Lovers (#3.22)" (2001)

Soundtrack:

Where Is It Written?

A TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT

Reading the few awfully and derogatorily negative reviews for this film here on the IMDb, it still befuddles me about the total oppression and negativity that people throw out of their mouths without expressing themselves in a more precise and intelligent manner, mainly on a film that presents such important issues and social commentaries. Even though the film is set in the past, all it says is still very noteworthy and easy to relate to in the past few decades and definitely in the decades to come.

YENTL is a film to be shared and enjoyed regardless of ethnicity, religion or background. Its universality speaks and raises voices to different generations and social groups.

Motivational, moving and exquisitely shot with rich period flavor and mood (AND THIS IS WITHOUT HAVING SEEN THE DVD YET, SINCE IT IS NOT AVAILABLE, AND MS. STREISAND HERSELF NOTED THAT THE COLOR TINT ON THE VHS TAPE IS INCORRECT, SOMETHING SHE HAD CORRECTED FOR THE UPCOMING DVD), this is the type of story about conquering your fears and stop at nothing to achieve your dreams that is fatally missing from films in our present time.

If there is an aspect to this movie that is the most formidable, it's the music and songs in it that's what is most successful about it, since they carry the story as it progresses through its tale of passion, love, struggle and perseverance.

Ignorance has kept the film from being enjoyed and appreciated by several groups and individuals. Hopefully someday they will find the courage and wit to understand such incredible gem.

"NOTHING'S IMPOSSIBLE"