Crossing Delancey

 

 

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Every once in a while, I come across a film who's central characters are so honest in their look, sound and feel, that they could easily be long lost members of my own family. Crossing Delancey is one of those rare films. One that I can easily watch over and over, particularly when I need a little 'pick me up'. Peter Riegert's 'Sam' is so charming and genuine in his demeanor that 'Izzy', once the two are introduced, stands little chance of escaping back to her artificial and mostly barren existence among the cultured elite.

Having been born and raised in a city tenement, I remember thinking back then in much the same way as Izzy. Given the opportunity, it was a place from which I wanted to be far removed. Izzy makes the classic mistake of confusing her need to better herself and her surroundings with her almost compulsive need to divorce herself from the very people who know, love and best understand her. Her journey back to the realization that, regardless of where she lives and works, Izzy will always be from the same cut of cloth as the people from whom she had been trying to escape, is ultimately what makes this movie worth watching.

In most films, there's a standout moment or a scene, and Crossing Delancey is no exception. Blessed with a great cast (Izzy's grandmother steals the show), the film is riddled with humorous and sometimes very funny moments. However, it is one of the film's more serious and unsettling moments (I refer to the classic scene at the eatery where the 'has been' torch singer with the tip can appears to sing directly to Izzy), that seems to capture, for me, the magic of Crossing Delancey. Overall, a charming winner of a film that is made significantly better by a wonderful and offbeat Roche sisters soundtrack.

This is a wonderful movie. I have seen it lots of times on VHS and am so pleased that it is coming out on DVD! Love the "Pickle Man"!

Amy Irving...where are you? You're such a great talent!

"Crossing Delancey" is presumed at first a romance, and it is. Deeper than the romance is a search for meaning. This two-level movie is funny with an undercurrent of a genuine plot stronger than the usual romantic comedy.

Part of the ego-driven, superficial but pretentious New York literary scene, Isabelle Grossman brings together writers and other literati for soirees feting the personalities behind the books.

Isabelle, or Izzy, herself is not a writer, but feels she is important because of the names and numbers in her Rolodex. She works hard and late, only to go home to an empty apartment. Her only love is accommodating the occasional lonely nights of a friend who fights with his wife. She tolerates his affections in what amounts to be no more than a recurring one-night stand.

Although Izzy's emptiness surrounds her, she never notices it, not even when her grandmother has a matchmaker attempt setting her up with Sam, a neighbor bachelor. Unfortunately for Sam, her intentions are set on Anton, a dashing, but caddish author whose books are bestsellers. He only wants her to appease his desires, and has no love for her, but she is blind to his true intentions. She curtly rejects another date with Sam.

With a single romantic signal, Pickleman Sam, the man she pushed away in a matchmaking dinner now effectively woos her heart into confusion. He had noticed her years ago and now happily accepted the chance to be introduced by the matchmaker. When he tells her this, a spark is lit. He isn't the suave author she begs for, and his lifestyle is more simple than those whose books are reviewed in the New York Times. She fumbles opportunity after opportunity to connect with Sam, but he is patient.

Anton makes advances that are alluring to Izzy as her heart tries to reconcile her fondness for Sam. This conflict causes Izzy to ask the important questions about integrity, meaning and happiness.

With the light, but poignant backdrop of her Jewish family and friends, this romance makes statements both serious and comedic. Outside of the periodic stereotyping of Jewish grandmothers, it works.

I fully recommend "Crossing Delancey."

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

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5.0 out of 5 stars The charm of the pickle seller
This urban love story stars Amy Irving as a single Jewish woman who is balanced between two worlds: the literary life of the Upper West Side in Manhattan where she works in an... Read more

Published on April 18 2004 by Peggy Vincent

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless!!!
Why don't they make movies like this anymore? It's a real story- a real romance that everyone can relate to. Read more

Published on Sep 6 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless!!!
Why don't they make movies like this anymore? It's a real story- a real romance that everyone can relate to. Read more

Published on Sep 6 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb film that makes one warm all over.
This delightful movie has everything: warmth, cheer, humor, and a somewhat inconclusive ending, which often is the better option in a movie like this. Read more

Published on Jun 22 2003 by Carter E. Swart

3.0 out of 5 stars Before it's time.
With the popularity of Romantic movies today, this movie would probably do pretty well if it were released now. Different look at a single Jewish woman's singleton.

Published on Mar 17 2003 by P. Hall

5.0 out of 5 stars Crossing Delancey is pitch perfect
This is THE romantic comedy of the '90's. I first saw this on a PLANE of all places, and fell in love. Read more

Published on Feb 25 2003 by Cory L. Mcclure

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle romantic comedy with a tasty Jewish flavor
"Crossing Delancey," directed by Joan Micklin Silver, tells the story of Isabelle (also known as "Izzy"), a single Jewish woman who lives in New York City and works for a... Read more

Published on July 23 2002 by Michael J. Mazza

5.0 out of 5 stars "A joke and a pickle...for only a nickle."
I hate to use the word "adorable", but, I must. This film is just adorable. The story of Izzy, the sophisticated, independent, N.Y. Read more

Published on July 22 2002 by F. Gentile

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treat For All Ages.
I fell in love with this wonderful movie when I originally saw it in the theatre, and my daughter has loved it from the age of 3. .............. Read more

Published on Feb 9 2002 by Hillary

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
Amy Irving was both charming in her portrayal and elegant. She brought life to an otherwise dull character. Read more

Published on April 10 2000 by Patrick Witgen

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