Yentl (1983)

Superstar Barbara Streisand is a tour de force in the musical Yentl (1983) since she plays the titular character, co-wrote the screenplay and serves as one of the movie’s producers. Based on the article “Yentl The Yeshiva Boy” by Isaac Bashevis Singer, this romantic flick turned out to be a box office hit. Set in Poland in 1904, the historic drama tells the story of a young Ashkenazi Jewish woman whose father (Nehemiah Persoff) teaches her the Talmud even though the law forbids females to learn it. When her dad dies, Yentl is left alone in the world and must fend for herself. As such, she decides to dress like a guy, adopt the name of her late brother Anshel and enroll in Rabbinical school where she befriends and eventually falls in love with Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin). Obviously, this is problematic for a couple of reasons. Considering the time, it’s unlikely Avigdor would be an open homosexual. Secondly, he is already spoken for. Yes, the catch is engaged to a lovely little lady named Haddas Vishkower (Amy Irving). To further complicate matters, Haddas has a crush on Anshel. Talk about a bizarre love triangle! Perhaps that’s why this pic received conflicting accolades. Although it won Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy and Best Actress, Ms. Streisand also nabbed a Golden Raspberry nomination for Worst Actor. Nevertheless, Mr. Patinkin won Mr. Man over when he flashed his back, ass, sack and shaft during a skinny dip scene 50 minutes in. Mazel tov!