Yentl

Despite an ostensibly somber tone and an autumnal look that gives the film a burnished coffee-table feel, Barbra Streisand's directorial debut "Yentl", about a turn-of-the-century Jewish girl disguising herself as a boy to study the Talmud (religious writings for men only), has a lot of heart, a romantic soul and a ticklish sense of humor. Streisand's strengths as an actress are never more apparent, and as a director she's thoughtful and careful, though perhaps too anxious to display her sentiment (leading to a woebegone conclusion which peaks and ebbs before the fade-out). Streisand is the only actor who sings, and the songs--though mostly ornate and melodramatic--are cleverly interwoven into the narrative. The final number (something about rebelling against "a piece of sky") is simply too much, but Barbra is in strong, assured voice throughout and she gets wonderful acting support from Mandy Patinkin (in arguably his finest performance, which should have netted an Oscar nomination) and Amy Irving (who did receive an Oscar nod). An enjoyable film with a surprisingly light-hearted quality which catches one off-guard. *** from ****

"Yentl" as a very impressive film. Watching it it is hard to believe that it was made by a first time feature film director.

People hate this film because Barbra is in it. She is wonderful. I get tired of hearing people say that "Barbra was too old" for the role. Well she doesn't play "Yentl" that was from the short story. She plays Yentl in her 30's. HEr father from the book is even aged by 20 years.

The story of this film is that the main character has a thirst for learning. After her father's death she disguises herself as a man so she continue her studies in a time where women's higher education was forbidden.

Yentl then falls in love with a man who unknown to him that his new best friend happens to be a woman.

My only problem with this film is that it is a little long but it is never boring. In my opinion if this film was directed by a man we would still be singing the films praises today.

A very different type of musical/drama. If you watch unbiased, I think you will find it has a little something for everyone. The film has beautiful direction, wonderful performances, lovely music, some sly humor, and is truly inspirational.

Barbra Streisand had wanted to make this film since 1968, but everyone in the industry told her she was crazy. In 1979, she was still determined to make the film, even if the studio's weren't. She was turned down by every motion picture company at least twice, until finally in the early eighties, MGM/UA picked up the project. Made on a then-above average budget of about $14 million, YENTL was released to mostly positive reviews and eventually grossed a surprisingly strong $50 million in the US alone and did twice as well around the world. The only disappointment is that Streisand was snubbed by Oscar.

for basic idea of equal rights out of any feminism. for the flavor of "80 years and for slices of shtetl life, for Jew space in Russian Empire as place of interior freedom, for music and for the delicate story. for last image of a way to happiness. for fabulous role of young Yentl/Anschel and for fragile performance of Amy Irving. it is difficult to define it.because it is a profound humanist pledge for normality. not accusation against a community. not stone against rules.but a open window.that is all. central piece - courage. central message - nothing is impossible. axis - force to be yourself. after 20 years, it is more important today.because in time of globalization, time of positive discrimination, Yentl is a wise advise. and good model to build personal trip in life.

To learn that Barbra Streisand not only starred in this movie but also directed it is quite startling. She is clearly a multitalented powerhouse. A voice, acting talent and an ability to direct a film.

I thought her voice really lent itself to the film. It was also a welcome reprieve from the heavy dialogue about Jewish philosophy or whatever it was they were studying.

The main characters all deserve accolades. Mandy Patinkin as Avigdor is able to channel his masculinity with so much strength. The anger he exhibits during his rages feels raw and unrestrained. There is a palpable tension between him and Barbra throughout the movie as one questions where the story is actually going. I thought that perhaps his attraction to Hental might lead into an LGBT storyline of gay love but where it actually went was just as good.

Amy Irving, the irresistable Hadass, is enchanting and showcases an enormous talent of emotional capacity in her relationship with Anshel. Her attraction to Anshel comes off as incredibly authentic, which is a feat considering the fact that Anshel isn't a man at all.

The movie has enormous charm in the set design alone. There is beauty in the way the tables are laid and it is clear that so much attention was paid to the small details that combine to create a believable Eastern European environment.

One gripe that I do have with the film is that Barbra does not make for a believable man. At all. It's one thing for all of the men in the movie to believe she is a man, but it's another thing for all the women to, especially her "wife". In reality, women (and most men, I would expect), would be able to clock her from a mile away. Yet, she does do the role justice with her incredible voice and her acting is admirable as well.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable film that I think challenges a lot of notions about women but also about the camaraderie between men and expectations in marriage.