The Chosen

The Chosen is a 1981 American drama film directed by Jeremy Kagan and written by Chaim Potok, who based the screenplay on his 1967 novel of the same name. Set in the 1940s, the film is a poignant coming-of-age story about friendship, faith, and the complexities of identity. Reuven Malter (played by Barry Miller), a devout Jewish boy from the Modern Orthodox community, and Danny Saunders (played by Robby Benson), a Hasidic Jewish boy who is destined to become the Rebbe of a Hasidic dynasty, live in the same Brooklyn neighborhood. The two teenagers are introduced through a chance encounter at a New York Yankees game, where they clash over a baseball bat. Despite the initial animosity, they begin to develop an unexpected friendship. The Malter family, comprising Reuven's father, William (played by Joseph Wiseman), and mother, Rachel (played by Carolyn Seymour), are deeply rooted in their Orthodox tradition. They place a strong emphasis on education, intellectual curiosity, and community involvement. In contrast, the Saunders family, consisting of Danny's father, Rabbi Mendel (played by Rod Steiger), and his wife, Sarah (played by Ellen Burstyn), adhere to the more traditional and strict Hasidic way of life. Danny's strict upbringing and the expectations placed upon him as the future Rebbe create tension in their friendship. Reuven is fascinated by Danny's experiences and stories within the Hasidic community, and he sees him as a window into a world he is not familiar with. In turn, Danny is drawn to Reuven's more open-minded and liberal worldview, which challenges his own beliefs and traditions. Their interactions serve as a catalyst for each to confront their own identities and the differences between their families. Throughout the film, Reuven struggles to reconcile his loyalty to his friends within the Modern Orthodox community with his increasing respect for Danny's Hasidic heritage. Danny, on the other hand, grapples with the pressure to follow in his father's footsteps and maintain the family's traditions while exploring the possibility of individual choice and autonomy. Their complex relationship is put to the test when Reuven, who begins to question his own faith, visits Danny's family's yeshiva. This encounter not only deepens their understanding of each other's worlds but also leads to a series of emotional confrontations between Danny and his father. Rabbi Mendel, a fiercely devoted leader who has dedicated his life to his faith, finds himself increasingly at odds with Danny's growing independence and curiosity about the modern world. As the story unfolds, Reuven's father, William, who works as a Talmudic scholar, serves as a mentor to Danny, introducing him to the broader Jewish texts and traditions. In turn, Rabbi Mendel teaches Reuven about the mystical aspects of Hasidic thought, allowing him to glimpse the spiritual dimensions of Danny's faith. The tension between the two families ultimately reaches a boiling point when Danny's father disowns him after discovering that he has taken Reuven to a Mets game on the Sabbath. This devastating event forces Danny to confront the consequences of his increasing distance from his family's traditions. He begins to feel the weight of his responsibilities as the future Rebbe, leading him to reevaluate his relationships and the path forward. The film concludes with a poignant scene in which Reuven and Danny part ways, each returning to their respective communities with a deeper understanding of their own identities and the differences between their worlds. The Chosen is a nuanced exploration of faith, friendship, and identity, offering a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of the complexities and challenges of growing up Jewish in America during the mid-20th century.