Crossing Delancey Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fancy uptown book lady has to decide if she likes a charming pickle guy from downtown better than a self-absorbed writer, because her grandma and a loud matchmaker said so.

🍿 Crossing Delancey: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meet Isabelle Grossman: A Modern Manhattan Woman

Isabelle Grossman, a single woman in her early thirties, leads a seemingly fulfilling life working at a prestigious Manhattan bookstore. She navigates the city’s literary scene, attends book readings, and interacts with celebrated authors, embracing an independent, modern lifestyle. While content with her career and friends, her romantic life remains unattached, a source of concern for her traditional Jewish grandmother, Bubbie.

Bubbie’s Plan and the Matchmaker

Concerned about Isabelle’s single status, Bubbie decides to take matters into her own hands. She enlists the services of a professional matchmaker, Hannah Mandelbaum, known for her no-nonsense approach and old-world methods. This matchmaking effort, rooted in tradition, immediately clashes with Isabelle’s modern sensibilities, leading to humorous and sometimes awkward situations as potential suitors are presented.

The Introduction to Sam Posner

The matchmaker’s first prospect is Sam Posner, a kind, down-to-earth man who runs a successful pickle business on the Lower East Side. Sam is immediately taken with Isabelle, recognizing her from afar. However, Isabelle is initially resistant to the idea of a matchmaker-arranged date and views Sam, the ‘pickle man,’ as being incompatible with her uptown literary world, creating a significant barrier between their different lives and expectations.

The Allure of Anton Maes

Adding to Isabelle’s romantic confusion is her attraction to Anton Maes, a charming but self-absorbed European writer she meets through her work. Anton represents the glamorous, intellectual world Isabelle admires. She finds herself drawn to his artistic persona, contrasting it sharply with Sam’s practicality, and weighs her options between the exciting but potentially unstable writer and the steady, kind businessman.

Navigating Two Worlds (Spoiler Alert)

As Isabelle spends more time, somewhat reluctantly, with Sam, she begins to see beyond his traditional background and profession. She discovers his warmth, intelligence, and genuine character, which stand in stark contrast to Anton’s superficiality and self-centeredness. Her initial resistance starts to wane as Sam’s steady presence offers a sense of stability and authentic connection she hasn’t found elsewhere.

Confrontations and Realizations (Spoiler Alert)

Isabelle attempts to reconcile her feelings, grappling with her preconceived notions about Sam and her lingering interest in Anton. Misunderstandings and miscommunications arise, particularly when Isabelle tries to set Sam up with her friend, causing Sam to feel rejected and withdraw. Meanwhile, interactions with Anton reveal his true, less-than-ideal nature, forcing Isabelle to confront the reality of her choices and desires.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Isabelle Grossman (Amy Irving): A modern Manhattan bookstore employee who is resistant to her grandmother’s attempts to find her a traditional Jewish husband.
• Sam Posner (Peter Riegert): A kind and persistent pickle vendor from the Lower East Side who is set up with Isabelle by a matchmaker.
• Bubbie Kantor (Reizl Bozyk): Isabelle’s beloved Lower East Side grandmother who is determined to see her granddaughter married and hires a matchmaker.
• Hannah Mandelbaum (Sylvia Miles): An enthusiastic and sometimes over-the-top matchmaker hired by Bubbie to find Isabelle a suitable husband.
• Anton Maes (Jeroen Krabbé): A celebrated, seemingly glamorous but self-centered writer who represents the uptown literary world Isabelle is drawn to.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bubbie Kantor: “Loneliness is a very lousy case.” – Bubbie tells Izzy about the importance of finding a partner and the difficulties of being alone.
• Hannah Mandelbaum: “Give your mouth a rest, Hannahla, it’ll thank you.” – Hannah says this to herself (or perhaps her reflection) while applying makeup, highlighting her talkative nature.
• Sam Posner: “You wanna catch a monkey, you gotta climb the tree.” – Sam uses this old adage to explain his determination to pursue Izzy despite her initial reluctance.
• Isabelle Grossman: “You are just a collection of clever remarks. You are not a real person.” – Izzy finally confronts the self-absorbed writer Anton Maes, seeing through his superficial charm.
• Sam Posner: “You’re not listening to the hat.” – Sam says this to Izzy after she dismisses his thoughtful gesture of sending her a hat, suggesting she’s missing the deeper meaning.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,262,415
• Worldwide Gross: $16,262,415

💥 Crossing Delancey Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched Crossing Delancey, and honestly, I get why people love it! It’s just so warm and feels really real, like you’re actually peeking into these people’s lives in late-80s New York. Amy Irving’s character, Izzy, definitely got on my nerves sometimes being so unsure about the *nicest* guy, but her grandma, Bubbie, played by Reizl Bozyk, is pure gold. Every scene with her just makes you smile and feel that old-world love. And Sam, the pickle man? Peter Riegert is so perfect in that role. He’s just a genuinely good, kind person, and you really root for him. The whole setup with the matchmaker adds such a unique, funny layer to the romance. It’s not a big, flashy movie, but the quiet moments, the specific New York feel, and the fantastic characters just stick with you. It’s the kind of film you want to watch curled up on the couch, and it left me feeling really happy and hopeful.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about Jewish culture and New York City”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven films with witty dialogue”
  • “Anyone looking for a heartwarming and feel-good movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Themes of matchmaking and intergenerational/cultural differences”
  • “Brief scene depicting a religious ritual (circumcision)”
  • “References to extramarital affairs (implied)”

Professional Reviews

• NYC Culture Monthly: “Crossing Delancey captures a specific slice of New York City with warmth and genuine affection. Amy Irving and Peter Riegert have a lovely, understated chemistry that makes their unconventional courtship feel deeply relatable. The film masterfully balances the pull of tradition and modern life, anchored by a truly unforgettable performance from Reizl Bozyk as Bubbie. A charming romantic comedy that offers surprising depth beneath its gentle surface.
• Indie Film Journal: “Joan Micklin Silver’s direction imbues Crossing Delancey with a delightful authenticity. The film avoids tired rom-com tropes, instead building its story through nuanced characters and a keen eye for detail. Peter Riegert’s portrayal of Sam is a standout, bringing quiet strength and sincerity to the ‘pickle man.’ While Izzy’s journey can be frustrating, the film’s exploration of identity and connection resonates, offering a sweet, satisfying viewing experience.

Audience Reactions

Bubbie stole the show with her loving, traditional charm.: Most viewers absolutely adored Reizl Bozyk’s performance as the grandmother and found Peter Riegert’s portrayal of Sam incredibly endearing and likeable. The authentic portrayal of Jewish culture and the specific New York setting were also widely praised.

Overall Consensus: A beloved, warm-hearted romantic comedy celebrated for its authentic characters, charming performances (especially the grandmother and the ‘pickle man’), and nostalgic New York atmosphere.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Reizl Bozyk, who played Bubbie, was a renowned actress in the Yiddish theater for decades but ‘Crossing Delancey’ was her only English-language film.”
• “The film is based on a successful 1985 play of the same name by Susan Sandler, who also wrote the screenplay.”
• “Some exterior scenes set in New York City were actually filmed in Hoboken, New Jersey.”
• “The director, Joan Micklin Silver, was known for making independent films, often with Jewish themes, such as her earlier acclaimed movie ‘Hester Street’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Crossing Delancey?

As a classic romantic comedy, ‘Crossing Delancey’ is widely available for digital viewing. You can typically rent or purchase the film on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Availability on subscription streaming services can vary, so it’s best to check current listings on major providers. Purchasing or renting the film digitally is a convenient way to watch it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Crossing Delancey, you might like these similar films:

• Moonstruck (1987): A charming, New York-set romantic comedy from the same era, featuring strong family dynamics and an unexpected romance, focusing on Italian-American culture.
• When Harry Met Sally… (1989): Another iconic late 80s New York romantic comedy known for its sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and realistic portrayal of relationships unfolding over time.
• Hester Street (1975): Directed by Joan Micklin Silver, this film explores the lives of Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side in the late 19th century, offering historical context to the cultural themes in ‘Crossing Delancey’.
• My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Similar thematic focus on a modern woman navigating expectations from her traditional ethnic family regarding marriage and identity, featuring comedic cultural clashes.
• Arranged (2007): Explores themes of tradition, family, and arranged marriage within contemporary Orthodox Jewish and Muslim communities in Brooklyn, offering a modern look at similar cultural dynamics.
• Obvious Child (2014): A modern New York romantic comedy featuring a Jewish woman navigating life, career, and unexpected romance with an authentic and grounded feel, dealing with complex personal issues.

🛒 Crossing Delancey Related Products

• Gourmet Pickle Variety Pack: Experience a taste of the Lower East Side with a selection of artisanal pickles, from classic dill to spicy and sweet varieties.
• The Essential Jewish Cookbook: Learn to make classic dishes like the ones shared in Bubbie’s apartment, featuring recipes passed down through generations.
• Vintage Lower East Side Map Wall Art: A beautifully detailed print of the historic Lower East Side, capturing the neighborhood’s unique character and landmarks.
• Classic Romantic Comedies Film Collection (DVD/Blu-ray): A curated set featuring timeless romantic comedies known for their character-driven stories and charming romance, similar to the style of ‘Crossing Delancey’.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Come Softly to Me” – performed by The Roches
• “Original Music” – performed by The Roches

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Futurecop! – I’m Enough [Cosmos]

Want to see ‘Crossing Delancey’ through a different lens? This cool synthwave track mashed up with film clips gives a really unique, atmospheric feel to some of the movie’s moments, it’s a fresh take that I wasn’t expecting!

Crossing Delancey: At the Park Bench (HD)

Remember that hilarious scene on the park bench with Bubbie? This clip lets you revisit that classic moment and even gives you some fascinating background on the amazing actress who played her – it really makes you appreciate her performance even more!

✨ Rate