This film, first of all, is brilliantly acted. It is a classic that is soon to be given proper credit now that is on DVD. I saw this a few years ago, halfway through, and just recently saw it in it's entirety, without commercials.

You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy the beauty of this story of two young boys of the same faith, yet so different in their worlds. This can apply to any faith where one is primarily secular in their daily life, and one is orthodox in their daily life.

I was drawn by the sensitive presentation of both fathers and sons relationships. All fathers can seem hard and unbending to us as we grow up. Only when we have our own children do we realize how lucky we were to have such fathers. Then we try to measure up to the example our own fathers set, as we raise our own children.

This should be required viewing in schools I believe, it is a true gem, not to be missed. I never knew Robby Benson had this kind of talent!

As World War II winds down, young and assimilated Jewish-American Barry Miller (as Reuven Malter) and his New York City street team agree to play a group of "very orthodox" Hasidic young men. The traditionally dressed Jews turn out to be quite good at the game, especially steely-eyed power hitter Robbie Benson (as Daniel "Danny" Saunders); he's also a genius. When Mr. Miller tries to strike Mr. Benson out at bat, Benson retaliates with a line-drive to Miller's face. Hospitalized, Miller is told he could possibly lose sight in his left eye, from the injury. Filled with guilt and curiosity, Benson decides to visit Miller.

Benson and Miller are intrigued by their cultural differences, and slowly become close friends.

However, politics rears an ugly head when the post-war partitioning of Palestine threatens Benson and Miller's friendship. A Zionist like his Professor father Maximilian Schell (as David Malter), Miller favoring the creation of Israel. A fundamentalist like his Rabbi father Rod Steiger (as Isaac Saunders), Benson believes the Jewish state should be created according to scripture. With great source material from writer Chaim Potok, and fine poetic performances, "The Chosen" overcomes some of its mid-section sluggishness. The opening parts are captivating, and Benson's closing scene with Mr. Steiger is a tearful peak.

******* The Chosen (8/81) Jeremy Kagan ~ Robbie Benson, Barry Miller, Rod Steiger, Maximilian Schell