40th Anniversary Screening! Director's Cut!
This December, We Really Like Her! co-hosts Emily and Danita celebrate Hanukkah with a 40th anniversary screening of Barbra Streisand’s directorial debut, Yentl (1983).
In a small Polish village in 1904, Rebbe Mendel (Nehemiah Persoff) teaches the Talmud, a sacred text of Judaism, to all of the boys. While absolutely forbidden for women to learn religious scripture, he also educates his daughter, Yentl (Barbra Streisand). When her father dies, Yentl disguises herself as a male to go to school and continue her studies. Once there, she meets Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin) and his fiancee Hadass (Amy Irving). When Yentl falls in love with Avigdor, she has to make the difficult choice between her head and her heart.
In a historic achievement, Streisand became the first woman to win Best Director at the Golden Globes for this film, which she also co-wrote, produced, and starred in. Boasting a powerhouse cast, this sweeping musical melodrama is a remarkable first feature that tripled its budget at the box office upon release. With its queer undertones and radical feminist message, Yentl is a gift; a movie that we can’t believe was even made at the time, but we’re so thankful it was.
And of course, we are showing the Director’s Cut to honour Queen Barbra’s true vision! (Danita Steinberg & Emily Gagne)