Carol Kane and Doris Roberts were stellar in their performances. Kane played Gitl, a young Russian Yiddish Jewish wife who immigrates to America with her son, Yossel, who is later renamed Joey. She discovered the changes in her husband, Yankel who becomes Jake. They are ultra orthodox Jews who have left the shetls in Russia and Poland for America. Doris Roberts played the neighbor and friend who helped Gitl in a dysfunctional marriage. The cast is first-rate and the film starts with Yiddish and turns to English over time. The film director, Joan Micklin Silver, did an excellent job in directing this film. Carol Kane was honored with Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Doris Roberts was also terrific in her role as Mrs. Kavarsky. There are notable performances by the supporting cast members. This film should be studied for a variety of reasons. A great film overall.
Review of Hester Street
