The Chosen
The Chosen Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Chosen
| Movie | The Chosen |
| Release Year | 1981 |
| Director | Jeremy Kagan |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 107 minutes (1h 47m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Chosen (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Chosen are led by Barry Miller . The supporting cast, including Robby Benson and Maximilian Schell , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Chosen stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Chosen has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Chosen
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, The Chosen is a Drama film directed by Jeremy Kagan, written by Edwin Gordon. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Barry Miller as Reuven Malter.
Ending Explained: The Chosen
The Chosen Ending Explained: In a 1940s New York, two Jewish teenage boys are determined to remain friends despite the deep differences between their families. Directed by Jeremy Kagan, this 1981 drama film stars Barry Miller (Reuven Malter), alongside Robby Benson as Danny Saunders, Maximilian Schell as Professor David Malter, Rod Steiger as Reb Saunders. With a 6.9/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Chosen?
In a 1940s New York, two Jewish teenage boys are determined to remain friends despite the deep differences between their families.
How Does Barry Miller (Reuven Malter)'s Story End?
- Barry Miller: Barry Miller's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Robby Benson (Danny Saunders): Robby Benson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Maximilian Schell (Professor David Malter): Maximilian Schell's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Chosen Mean?
The Chosen's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Barry Miller may feel rushed. Jeremy Kagan's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Chosen Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Chosen Based on a True Story?
No, The Chosen is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Jeremy Kagan and starring Barry Miller may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Chosen?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Barry Miller or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch The Chosen Online?
Streaming HubThe Chosen Parents Guide & Age Rating
1981 AdvisoryWondering about The Chosen age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Chosen (1981) is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Directed by Jeremy Kagan, the film runs for 107 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Chosen is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Chosen worth watching?
The Chosen is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Chosen parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Chosen identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Chosen (1981)?
The runtime of The Chosen (1981) is 107 minutes (approximately 1h 47m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
