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The Chosen: Movie Analysis

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The movie The Chosen, in my opinion, was the best one. I really enjoyed watching it and I felt a connection to the main characters. In the movie, two boys, Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders, who are very religiously different and both raised in completely opposite ways, develop a deep friendship. The plot of the movie highlights the conflict within relationships, between sons and fathers, between friends, and within orthodox Jewish life in the United States. Even though the two boys grew up having some practices and customs in commons, their worlds were completely different. One was brought up in a more liberal household, whereas the other was raised in a hasidic household. The movie beautifully illustrates the separation between these two …show more content…

Due to different backgrounds, Reb Saunders and David Malters approached raising a child from two totally different perspectives. Reb Saunders raised his son in complete silence, wanting him to learn compassion and to develop a soul to go with his great mind, only talking to him when studying the Torah. On the other hand, Mr. Malters places a great deal of emphasis on good and frequent communication between him and his son. Despite these differences, both fathers truly loved God and wanted to serve him in everything they did. They just held different views on the world. It was very interesting to see this dynamic between the two families, and how it impacted / both Reuven and Danny. During the movie we learn about Danny’s personal struggle. He is driven to explore the world beyond his Hasidic roots. His brilliant mind is bored in his traditional studies, and he secretly spends free time at the public library, reading everything he can. As he reads he becomes more disconnect with the future chosen for him by Hasidic law. He is expected to take his father’s place, and become a Rabbi. This has been the chosen path in his family for the past 6 generations. He is to inherit leadership of his people. Reuven, on the other hand, wants to become a Rabbi. His scholarly father would prefer him to follow his talent and become a mathematician. Reuven desires the position his friend secretly wishes to

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Both ultimately share insight with both Danny and Reuven including the importance of their friendship.

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