Blog From March 22, 2015

 

                                                      The Five Most Overrated Jewish Films

 

Last week, I wrote about my five favorite Jewish films of all time. This week, I am going to discuss what I believe to be the five most overrated Jewish films of all time.  Please feel free to send me your reactions by hitting the Contact button above and sending me your thoughts!

 

1) "Fiddler On The Roof."  I know--this might get be exiled from the Jewish people, but while the movie (and play) has a remarkable score, and is graced with terrific performances, it makes the shtetl look like a fun place to live.  The Shtetl was a poverty stricken, disease ridden place where people lived in fear of the next pogrom. Because of this, I have never had the love affair with this movie that so many others have. 

 

2) "Yentl."  If I didn't offend you with my first choice, you are probably gathering stones now! Still, I have to tell you that I see this movie as nothing more than Barbra Streisand's self-obsession.  Perhaps the greatest evidence in support of my contention is that she is directing a musical, has cast Mandy Patinkin, and does not allow him to sing one single song! "Yentl" could easily be retitled, "All About Barbra."

 

3)  "The Ten Commandments". Probably the greatest satire on the Bible ever written, from the inane narration to the miscast Yul Brynner as Pharoah.  It's so wrong that it's right.  Unfortunately, all the humor was unintentional and the movie was meant as a serious take on the Biblical tale. 

 

4) "Keeping The Faith".  This movie uses every stereotype of the Jew and has a character who is a rabbi who behaves like no rabbi I have ever met.  (And I know A LOT of rabbis!) A complete disappointment. 

 

5) "Dirty Dancing". Great movie.  A classic. But even though it makes many people's "Best Jewish Movie" list, as a JEWISH movie, it fails.  It does not explore the Jewish aspect at all, and in fact, only hints at it.  I love the movie as a movie, but cannot consider it a great Jewish movie.