Tension Between Danny And Reuven

“The Chosen” (1981) by director Jeremy Kagan explores the tension between ultra - orthodox Hasidic Judaism and its more cousin, Modern Orthodox Judaism. The film also provides us a glimpse into the process of cultural assimilation that Jews went through during the the early 19th century era in America. The film follows Reuven and Danny. Although hail from different backgrounds, the pair are linked in ways that are deeper than just friendship. Both the theme and the subject of the film are contained within the depiction of this pair’s relationship and its effects on secondary characters. The movie lets us witness the development of the pair’s relationship, the results of that relationship; and ultimately, show us the contemporary state of Jewish
Two key points that can illustrate this: first is Danny’s desire to break from his father’s wish and to embrace his own passion, which is psychology; second is the tension that arises when considering practical solutions. Danny, before becoming Reuven’s friend, is shown as a tense and awkward young man. He acquires this traits due to his father’s strict method of child rearing and the traditional settings that he spent his childhood in. After meeting with Reuven, we can slowly see Danny changing into a more balanced and complete individual, especially after his reconciliation with his father in the finale. There are numerous occasions where we can observe this relationship develop, however, the wedding scene is, in my opinion, the best suited scene for analysis. This scene begins with Reuven being invited to a traditional Hasidic wedding, in which we are treated with a spectacular dance number by Danny’s father. The scene goes on with the inclusion of the film signature shot/countershot technique in a conversation between Danny and Reuven. The conversation is concern with the situation surrounding