the movie is fantastic and so is the book
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gerald-flynn — 17 years ago(September 25, 2008 12:58 PM)
The story itself was intriguing; the idea that a woman could not study the Torah and so had to disguise herself, in and of itself was fancinating. And, Mandy Patankin's character, who always respected Yentl's interpretations suddenly turning on her when he finds out she is a woman (all of a sudden her ideas were not worthy?). This was a marvelous revelation of the depth of the different views of men's and women's roles in those days. I was going to call it sexism, but I don't think it was that. It was an attitude steeped in a patriarchal culture and the story, in a way like in "Fiddler", is the story of the old attitudes giving way to the new. Never an easy thing for any culture to understand.
A wonderful story and great social history. But, there are some problems. The songs were vapid and trite. Alan and Marilyn Bergmann are usually reliable and solid, if conventional, lyricists. But, I just cannot warm up to any of the cliched songs here. And, why no songs for Mandy? Sure, his style is affected and annoying, but he has a solid tenor voice and should have been given something to sing. I am not bothered by the fact that Barbra was too old for the role; after all, she was way too young when she did "Hello Dolly" This was a non-musical stage play before it became a movie a bit more subdued and understated compared to the movie; a film of the straight play may have worked as well, maybe even better. -
imdb-5712 — 17 years ago(February 18, 2009 02:24 PM)
I see what you mean about the songs being trite, but I suspect that the music in a good musical has to be accessible. See The Phantom et al. And the last song, where she is singing on the deck of the ship with the Statue of Liberty on the skyline, that was a masterpiece. It is as good a cinematic moment as you can find in all of American cinema (or if you are a cynic it is trite).
Too bad that BS is such a skank to her fans. -
no-not-ever — 12 years ago(November 30, 2013 11:25 PM)
And I don't agree on the music. I love most of those songs.
Someone mentioned Tomorrow Night, I love the transition and smart lyrics of tomorrow night .now is tonight. That is a great way to illustrate time.
From the first time I watched I felt the like Barbara put everything just right in the first 1/2 of the movie. The second half still has some good music and some good minutes but it gets confusing, uneven. Never bothered me how old she was.
I watch the 1st half any time and listen to the music - "No matter ." -
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gerald-flynn — 16 years ago(April 29, 2009 01:06 PM)
Since some posters objected to my criticism of the music, I gave it another viewing over this past weekend. I still think the music is mediocre at best, but that does not deter from the fact that it is a wonderful movie, full of heart and emotion and true values issues that are missing from far too much of the crap that is being produced these days. Also, I really took pains to observe Streisand's directorial technique. She is a brilliant director. The "Tomorrow Night" segment (Yentil preparing for her wedding) has such beautiful camera work and such power in conveying how conflicted Yentil is about this step she is taking, the scene leaves me breathless. I still don't like the songs, but can look past that and enjoy the movie for all its good values. I think the fact that so many people love the music is due to Streisand's powerful vocal performance that transcends the banality of the songs. As for her age, who cares! That's why we call it "acting"!