Watch Crossing Delancey

Crossing Delancey is a romantic comedy-drama from 1988 that revolves around the life of a young Jewish woman named Isabelle "Izzy" Grossman, played by Amy Irving. Izzy is a successful career woman who lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. However, she is still single and her grandmother, Bubbie Kantor, played by Reizl Bozyk, is worried about her. Bubbie thinks that Izzy's life is incomplete without a husband and wants to find her a suitable match.

Izzy, on the other hand, is content with her single life and feels that her career is more important to her than finding a man. She is a copy editor at a prestigious publishing house and is proud of her achievements. She has a close relationship with her grandmother Bubbie Kantor, who is a traditional Jewish woman and believes that matchmaking is the perfect way to bring her granddaughter happiness.

Bubbie trusts a matchmaker, Hannah Mandelbaum, who arranges a date for Izzy with Sam Posner, played by Peter Riegert. He is a pickle maker from the Lower East Side who is more interested in preserving traditions than following modern trends. Izzy is initially skeptical about the whole setup but decides to meet Sam anyway. She is pleasantly surprised when she finds out that he is a genuine and kind-hearted person who shares her love of books and poetry.

Despite their different backgrounds and lifestyles, Izzy and Sam begin a tentative romance. They go on romantic walks, have meals together, and even go to a poetry reading. Izzy starts to see a different side of life that she was not aware of before. However, things become complicated when her ex-boyfriend, Anton, shows up and tries to win her back.

Crossing Delancey is not just a romantic comedy, it is also a story about Jewish identity and cultural heritage. The movie explores the tension between traditional and modern Jewish customs and values. Izzy represents the younger generation, who wants to break away from the traditional ways and embrace modernity, while Bubbie and Sam represent the older generation, who want to preserve Jewish culture and customs.

This tension is reflected in the way Izzy's relationship with Sam develops. Initially, she is reluctant to be seen with him in public, fearing that her friends and colleagues will judge her for dating someone from a different background. However, as she gets to know Sam better, she realizes that he is not just a simple pickle maker but a thoughtful and caring person who has a deep appreciation for literature and art.

The movie also touches upon the theme of women's liberation and independence. Izzy is a strong and independent woman who has carved out a successful career for herself. She is not willing to compromise her freedom or ambitions for the sake of a marriage. Her grandmother, Bubbie, represents the older generation of Jewish women who believe that marriage and family are the ultimate goal for a woman.

However, the movie does not portray Bubbie as a retrogressive character, but rather as a wise and caring grandmother who wants the best for her granddaughter. Her desire to find a husband for Izzy is not out of malice or pressure but a genuine concern for her happiness.

Overall, Crossing Delancey is a heartwarming and funny movie that celebrates the complexity of Jewish culture, tradition, and identity. It shows that love can transcend boundaries, whether they are cultural or generational. The performances by the main cast, especially Amy Irving and Peter Riegert, are outstanding. The cinematography captures the charm of New York City in the 1980s, making it a delightful watch for all audiences.

Crossing Delancey is a 1988 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.