Leo Fuchs, Eve Gordon, Elizabeth Perkins, Joan Plowright, Kevin Pollak, Aidan Quinn, Elijah Wood - Dir:Barry Levinson A Jewish man immigrates to the United States at the turn of the century where he and his large, boisterous family try to make themselves a better future in Baltimore.
The experiences of several generations of a Jewish family in Baltimore comprise the main focus of AVALON. As the younger generations become more and more Americanized, they loosen the very close family ties that the older generations seek to maintain. From poverty through prosperity, the Krichinsky family faces the changing world with enduring humor and abiding love.
The third installment in Barry Levinson's Baltimore Trilogy, AVALON tells the story of a Jewish family immigrating to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. Starting in the early 1900s, the Krichinsky brothers begin to arrive in America one at a time, scrimping and saving to pay for the next relative's trip to the land of opportunity. As the brothers find success in Baltimore, their family grows and they face new challenges. First-generation American cousins Jules (Aidan Quinn) and Izzy (Kevin Pollak) shorten and Americanize their last names, build a small empire with their ever-expanding discount store, and move to the suburbs. Patriarchal figure Sam (Armin Mueller-Stahl)--who proudly reminisces about his initial arrival in Baltimore on the Fourth of July--and his brothers find it hard to understand the younger generation. Levinson does a fine job of capturing the emotions and ties that bind families together, juxtaposing the loss of family interaction with the advent and rising popularity of television. The top-notch ensemble includes Joan Plowright, Elizabeth Perkins, Lou Jacobi, and a very young Elijah Wood.
Theatrical release: October 5, 1990.
Filmed on location in Baltimore, Maryland.
Director Barry Levinson grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where the film was shot. He shot several of his other films there, including DINER and TIN MEN. AVALON was his first film since winning an Academy Award for RAIN MAN.
As Roger Ebert noted, Avalon refers to the neighborhood in Baltimore where the film is set. But in Celtic mythology Avalon is supposed to be an island of blessed souls located somewhere in the western seas.
Levinson was nominated for the 1990 Director's Guild of America's Outanding Directorial Achievement Award.
The baby David was played by Ava Eileen Quinn.
The film was shown at the 1991 Brussels International Film Festival.
Avalon Quotes/Excerpts:
"I can't belive you cut the turkey!"--Gabriel Krichinsky (Lou Jacobi)
Avalon Reviews:
"...Exquisitely crafted....Rich period details, abundant scenes of humor and heartbreak and outstanding performances..."
-- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"...A generous and touching film....Warmly and broadly acted by a large cast..."
-- Janet Maslin, New York Times
"...Graced by often striking photography on spectacular international locations..."
-- Cart., Variety
"...AVALON is impressively scaled, with picture-perfect camera work....It's a superbly well-turned-out film..."
-- Peter Rainer, Los Angeles Times
Color; Dolby Surround Sound; Stereo Sound; Letter Boxed; Widescreen
Avalon Movie Review
Customer Avalon Reviews Customer Avalon DVD Reviews
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)
family as it should be Avalon,a rare movie set in a time when the extended family was close and truly cared for each other. Innocense, purity comes to mind. A time when you could sleep under the stars without fear. The cast does a superb job showing warmth and unity. It's almost a shame that the unveiling of television seemed to put an end to this idealism. Armin Mueller-Stall, as Sam keeps the past alive passing down the legacy. He draws you in making it so real. A movie you love seeing over and over again. Submitted by Nicoleta (Tampa, Florida) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
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Avalon DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Single Side - Dual Layer Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85 Letterbox - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 - English Additional Release Material: Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
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