"Infused with a warm, wry wit" (Los Angeles Times), The Angel Levine is a moving examination of the need to believe and the desire to be believed in. Featuring "wildly funny dialogue" (Time) and a "superb cast" (LA Herald-... more »Examiner), this modern-day morality tale is a poignant and entertaining gem. Things couldn't get worse for Jewish tailor Morris Mishkin (Zero Mostel). His shop has gone up in flames, his daughter has married outside the faith and, worse yet, his wife is slowly dying. But just when he decides to give up on God, a mysterious man (Harry Belafonte) appears, claiming to be his Jewish guardian angel! Doubtful that the stranger is Jewish, never mind an angel, Mishkin must overcome his skepticism if he wants one last chance at redemption.« less
Daniel G. Berk | West Bloomfield, Michigan | 11/30/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Zero Mostel plays a poor schlemiel by the name of Mishkin, who is visited by a Jewish angel named Levine. Levine is played by Harry Belafonte! This certainly promises some very clever and very amusing moments. Unfortunately, the promise remains unkept. In fact, the film never really gets started. I can remember thinking what a long time it was taking to get going, and then the closing credits started to scroll; it never got going. What is particularly disappointing is that this is a film I wanted very much to like. Alas, we don't always get what we want."
Wish it were better
K. Verson | 01/09/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Since I was teaching the short story I wanted to also show the film.
Loved seeing young Harry Belefonte and early Zero Mostel but the film does not have
impact of the short story and drags. The musical score is really irritating.
The two main characters were actually miscast, according to the story.
Karol Verson"
Such a good movie!
K. Verson | 08/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It may be a movie that mostly adults would see, but I saw it with my mother, and I loved. I found it very confusing, but my mother expained it to me during the movie."
The Unknown "Levine"
Scott T. Rivers | Los Angeles, CA USA | 09/19/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Languishing in obscurity until its DVD release, this Bernard Malamud adaptation provides a fine showcase for Zero Mostel and Harry Belafonte (his first screen role since 1959's "Odds Against Tomorrow"). Czech filmmaker Ján Kadár's American debut suffers from staginess and his uncertain handling of Malamud's short story, but the actors save the day. An engaging fable, "The Angel Levine" is recommended for ambitious cinephiles rather than mainstream viewers."
Wonderful ! ! ! !
S. Busch | Michigan | 09/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A wonderful of expression of LOVE between an older Jewish couple. An angel comes to guide the "old man" through some difficult times. This is a very heartfelt and funny movie rolled into one.
Zero Mostle and Harry Belafonte make a wonderful team. NOT to be missed! ! ! !"