Movie- Brighton Beach Memoirs

Rated #6 Jewish Comedy

Profile:
Came out in 1986
Rated PG-13
Running time of 1 hour and 50 minutes
Available on VHS
Directed by Gene Saks
Written by Neil Simon (based on his play of the same name)
Main Stars: Matthew Broderick, Blythe Danner, Fyvush Finkel, Steven Hill

What's it all about: In the first installment of Neil Simon's semi-autobographical trilogy, the film depicts Eugene's Jewish family in their overcrowded Brooklyn home in 1937. The film focuses on Eugene's relationship with his parents who manage to worry and meddle into everyone's lives, his brother who has work related problems, his female cousin who wants to be a Broadway dancer, and his own evolution into becoming a young man.

Why I Recommend It:
1 - The film is a well-done family comedy depicting the nuances of everyday family life and activites in 1937.
2 - The dialog. Neil Simon does an excellent job adapting his stage play into a witty and smart comedy screenplay.
3 - The movie is also a well done coming of age movie showing Eugene's transformation into becoming a young man that should appeal to a wide audience.

Distinguishing Jewish Appeal:
1 - The movie depicts the trysts of Eugene's Jewish family living in Brooklyn in 1937 (the onset of World War 2).
2 - At the end of the film, Eugene's parents get word that their relatives have just escaped Poland and are coming to America. This reflects the importance of helping out family especially during this time period, when many were trying to escape Hitler's path.

Of Note:
1 - Matthew Broderick played the role of Eugene in the Broadway play. None of the actors from the play appeared in the film version.
2 - Jason Alexander, George from "Seinfeld," played Eugene's brother's boss in the film.
3 - Jonathan Silverman took over the role of Eugene on Broadway after Matthew Broderick left the production. He also reprised the Eugene role for the TV movie adaptation of "Broadway Bound."

Added: January 1st 2003
Reviewer: Sandy Chertok
Score:
Related Link: Buy it at Amazon
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