Yentl Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Girl really wants to study, so she pretends to be a dude, marries her friend’s girl, then leaves for America on a boat while singing.

🍿 Yentl: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Yentl’s Thirst for Knowledge

Set in early 20th-century Eastern Europe, Yentl is a Jewish woman with a burning desire to study the Talmud, a sacred text traditionally reserved for men. Her father, a rabbi, secretly teaches her, nurturing her intellect but keeping it hidden from the restrictive community.

Disguise and Deception

After her father’s death, Yentl, determined to continue her studies, cuts her hair, binds her chest, and adopts the identity of ‘Anschel,’ a young man. She travels to a distant Yeshiva (religious school) and is accepted, immersing herself in the world of scholarly debate and learning.

Love and Complications

At the Yeshiva, Anschel befriends Avigdor, a brilliant student engaged to the beautiful Hadass. Yentl, as Anschel, develops feelings for Avigdor, while Hadass becomes drawn to Anschel’s gentle nature and intellect, creating a complex love triangle. This leads to a series of increasingly complicated situations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Yentl (Barbra Streisand): A determined young Jewish woman who disguises herself as a man to pursue her passion for learning in a society that forbids women from studying religious texts.
• Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin): A brilliant and conflicted student who becomes close friends with Yentl (as Anshel) and is torn between his feelings for her and his arranged betrothal.
• Hadass (Amy Irving): Avigdor’s initially betrothed, a beautiful and kind woman who is caught in a complex web of relationships and societal expectations.
• Reb Mendel ‘Papa’ (Nehemiah Persoff): Yentl’s supportive father who secretly teaches her the Talmud, fostering her thirst for knowledge despite societal norms.
• Reb Alter Vishkower (Steven Hill): The head of the Yeshiva where Yentl (as Anshel) studies, representing the traditional religious authority.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Yentl: “Why is it that every book I buy, every bookseller has the same old argument?” – Yentl expresses her frustration with the limitations placed on women’s access to knowledge and learning.
• Yentl: “I envy them… Talking about life, the mysteries of the universe and I’m learning how to tell a herring from a carp.” – Yentl contrasts her mundane life with the intellectual freedom enjoyed by male students, highlighting her desire for deeper learning.
• Yentl: “If we can’t see each other as human beings, why remember the Holocaust?” – Yentl makes a statement about equality and freedom to practice religion.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,218,899
• Worldwide Gross: $40,219,251

💥 Yentl Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Yentl isn’t perfect, but I gotta admit, it got to me. The music is so Barbra, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your taste. But seeing her fight for what she wants, even if it’s by dressing up as a guy and getting into all sorts of awkward situations, was really inspiring. The scene where she’s finally on that boat, singing her heart out, gave me chills!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Barbra Streisand”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas with feminist themes”
  • “Those who appreciate musicals with strong female leads”
  • “Audiences interested in Jewish culture and traditions”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief male rear nudity”
  • “Themes of religious restriction and gender inequality”
  • “Suicide mentioned”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While Streisand’s passion project shines through, her heavy-handed direction and over-reliance on song detract from the story’s core message. The film’s visuals and performances are commendable, but the overall experience feels self-indulgent.
• Variety: “Streisand delivers a powerful and moving performance, complemented by stunning visuals and a soaring soundtrack. The film tackles complex themes of identity and societal expectations with sensitivity and grace, making it a thought-provoking and memorable experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers are moved by Yentl’s unwavering determination and willingness to challenge societal norms.: Streisand’s performance and the film’s inspiring message resonate deeply with audiences.

People love Amy Irving as Hadass and express she deserved the nomination.: Amy Irving gives a nuanced portrayal of a character stuck between tradition and her own desires, bringing depth to the film.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing film with passionate performances and beautiful music, though it can be self-indulgent.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1984
2. Golden Globe (Best Director)- 1984

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Barbra Streisand fought for over 15 years to get ‘Yentl’ made, facing numerous rejections due to the subject matter and her ambition to direct.”
• “Mandy Patinkin initially declined the role of Avigdor multiple times, disliking the script, but Streisand personally convinced him after discussing potential changes at her home.”
• “Streisand deliberately used music as Yentl’s internal monologue, with songs only performed when she’s alone or as voice-overs, reflecting her private thoughts and desires.”

🖥️ How to Watch Yentl?

Yentl is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential streaming availability on services like Paramount+ or through cable providers offering on-demand movie options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Yentl, you might like these similar films:

• Boys Don’t Cry (1999): Deals with similar themes of gender identity and societal restrictions, though in a more modern and starkly realistic context.
• Mulan (1998): A woman disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. Despite different cultural and historical settings, both share the theme of challenging gender roles.
• Fiddler on the Roof (1971): Set in a similar time and place with Jewish traditions, it explores the changing roles within a community facing social upheaval, although with less focus on gender identity.

🛒 Yentl Related Products

• Yentl [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: Experience the magic of Michel Legrand’s iconic score and Barbra Streisand’s unforgettable vocals. This digital download includes all the classic songs from the film, perfect for reliving Yentl’s journey.
• Barbra Streisand: The Way We Were / Yentl / The Mirror Has Two Faces (3-Movie Collection): Enjoy Barbra Streisand’s collection of movies that showcase her range as a storyteller and actress.
• Papa, Can You Hear Me? – Barbra Streisand Sheet music – Piano, Vocal & Guitar (Right-Hand Melody): Fans of the singer will be able to recreate the song with sheet music, easy for beginners.
• Yentl Movie Poster Print – Barbra Streisand – 24×36: High-quality print of the original Yentl movie poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Yentl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” – performed by Barbra Streisand
• “The Way He Makes Me Feel” – performed by Barbra Streisand
• “Where Is It Written?” – performed by Barbra Streisand
• “A Piece of Sky” – performed by Barbra Streisand

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Barbara Streisand Wins Best Director Motion Picture – Golden Globes 1984

Check out this clip of Barbra Streisand winning Best Director at the Golden Globes for ‘Yentl’! It’s amazing to see her acknowledge the importance of this win for women in film. You’ve got to see her acceptance speech!

Mandy Patinkin Interview – Yentl – Mamaloshen

Ever wonder what Mandy Patinkin thought about filming Yentl? This interview gives you his take on the movie and even features him singing! Trust me, you’ll love hearing his perspective, especially his musical connection to the film.

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