Review of Yentl (1983) by Grant S — 09 Dec 2017

Eastern Europe, 1904. A Jewish woman, Yentl, has a thirst for knowledge but is prohibited from learning due to the restrictions of her religion. When her father dies, she sets off to increase her knowledge, posing as a man in order to gain admission to a Jewish religious school.

Quite dull. Had heaps of potential in terms of a pro-gender-equality message and to highlight the unnecessary restrictions placed on women in society. However, this theme isn't developed very well, being fairly predictable in its progression. The main theme also gets relegated to a sideshow due to the Yentl-Avigdor-Hadass love triangle and the repercussions of Yentl posing as a man.

The story ends up being quite dull and farcical. What's worse, it's a musical, and the music is mediocre at best.

Only worth watching for the cultural references in other movies and TV shows (mainly comedies).