Enemies, A Love Story (film)
Enemies, A Love Story | |
---|---|
Directed by | Paul Mazursky |
Screenplay by | Roger L. Simon Paul Mazursky |
Based on | Enemies, A Love Story by Isaac Bashevis Singer |
Produced by | Paul Mazursky |
Starring | |
Cinematography | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
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Running time | 119 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $9.5 million[1] |
Box office | $16 million[2] |
Enemies, A Love Story is a 1989 American romantic drama film directed by
Plot
In 1949, guilt-ridden
After answering an ad in the newspaper, Herman is shocked to learn that Tamara not only survived the Holocaust, but has come to New York to be with him. Herman confesses to her both his current marriage and affair. Accepting that he has moved on from her emotionally, Tamara agrees not to pursue her claim as his wife and befriends him. In short order, both Masha and Yadwiga announce each is pregnant. Masha procures a divorce from Leon, who warns Herman that Masha is manipulative. After she swears on her own life that Leon is lying about her, Masha and Herman find a Rabbi to perform the ceremony without asking questions. Herman now has three wives.
Masha experiences internal bleeding, and the attending physician tells Herman that she was never pregnant. Rabbi Lembeck, having met Masha, invites the couple to a party. There, the wealthy Nathan Pescheles - who happened to meet all three wives by chance - reveals Herman's polygamy to the assembled crowd. Feeling angry and betrayed, Masha leaves Herman. He becomes more religious to help Yadwiga convert to Judaism. Tamara helps him by getting him a job with a rabbi.
A few weeks later, Masha calls Herman, hoping to convince him to bolt to Florida or California with her. Admitting to Tamara that Masha's pull on him is too great but promising to support his unborn child, Herman leaves Yadwiga for good. But before they can leave, Masha's mother dies. Unable to pay for the funeral but realizing she can't bear the thought of not being buried next to her mother, Masha asks Herman to commit suicide with her. Herman agrees, but when they realize neither has ever been completely truthful with the other, he leaves. Masha takes a lethal overdose of sleeping pills.
Rabbi Lembeck pays for Masha and her mother's funeral and takes care of the hospital fees for Yadwiga. Tamara and Yadwiga raise the child, named Masha, together. Letters occasionally arrive containing only money to help care for the child.
Cast
- Ron Silver as Herman Broder
- Anjelica Huston as Tamara Luria-Broder
- Lena Olin as Masha Bloch-Tortshiner
- Margaret Sophie Stein as Yadwiga, Herman's maid
- Alan King as Rabbi Lembeck
- Judith Malina as Shifra Puah Bloch, Masha's mother
- Elya Baskin as Yasha Kobik
- Paul Mazursky as Leon Tortshiner, Masha's husband
- Phil Leeds as Pesheles
- Rita Karin as Mrs. Schreier
- Zypora Spaisman as Sheva Haddas
Reception
Enemies, A Love Story holds a rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 reviews. The consensus states: "Enemies, A Love Story finds writer-director Paul Mazursky operating near peak form, weaving a richly melodramatic tapestry brought to life by a stellar cast."[3]
Awards
- The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including two nominations in the Best Supporting Actress category for Anjelica Huston and Lena Olin and a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Roger L. Simon and Paul Mazursky.
See also
References
- ^ "Enemies, A Love Story". American Film Institute. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
- ^ "Morgan Creek Prods. Box Office". Variety. February 15, 1993. p. 46.
- ^ "Enemies, A Love Story". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved November 2, 2022.