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Daniel is a 1983 movie directed by Sidney Lumet, based on the novel The Book of Daniel by E.L. Doctorow. The film follows the story of Daniel Isaacson (played by Timothy Hutton), a Manhattan-based journalist who stumbles upon his parents' past while researching for his article. The movie opens with a flashback of Daniel's parents, Paul (played by Mandy Patinkin) and Rochelle (played by Lindsay Crouse), who were political activists and members of the American Communist Party during the 1950s. They were later executed for conspiring to pass nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union, leaving Daniel and his sister orphaned and abandoned.

As Daniel uncovers more details about his parents' past, he is haunted by their ghosts, vividly imagining scenes of their courtship, wedding, and their fateful trial. He becomes increasingly obsessed with understanding their motivations and actions, seeking to reconcile their political ideals with their personal life.

Throughout the film, Daniel is depicted as deeply conflicted, questioning his identity and beliefs. He grapples with whether to follow in his parents' footsteps and become a political revolutionary, or to carve out a different path for himself.

The movie is a powerful examination of family history, ideological conviction, and personal choice. It raises poignant questions about the human cost of political activism and the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility.

The performances in Daniel are exceptional, with Hutton delivering a nuanced and intense portrayal of a young man struggling to come to terms with his legacy. Patinkin and Crouse's performances are equally riveting, conveying the complexities and contradictions of their characters with skill and sensitivity.

Lumet's direction also deserves praise, as he deftly weaves together different timelines and emotions to create a rich tapestry of storytelling. The film carries a somber tone throughout, but it never feels overbearing or melodramatic, thanks to Lumet's measured and restrained approach.

Daniel was critically acclaimed upon release, praised for its insightful exploration of political history and family drama. It was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and was one of Lumet's most personal and poignant films.

Overall, Daniel is a moving and thought-provoking movie that explores complex themes with intelligence, grace, and sensitivity. It is an emotional journey that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Daniel is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.