Hester Street (1975)

Set in the heart of the bustling Lower East Side of New York City in 1896, Hester Street follows the tale of Yankel Bogovnik, a Russian Jew who has embraced the American dream. After transforming into Jake, an anglicized version of himself, Yankel carves out a modest livelihood as a seamster. His Americanization extends beyond his job and the English language, as he finds himself entwined in a passionate affair with an enchanting dancer, Mamie Fein. However, his past beckons, as his wife Gitl and their son Yossele journey from Russia to join him. Jake’s joy at their arrival quickly dims when he realizes that Gitl's old-world appearance and mannerisms starkly contrast with his Americanized lifestyle and the allure of Mamie. He struggles to introduce Gitl to the rapid pace of American life, while maintaining a façade of familial bliss to the world and his lover. Hester Street is an intimate exploration of love, identity, and adaptation. With a marriage strained by cultural differences and a wife left to navigate an alien land, the question emerges - can their love survive the divide, or will Gitl find herself adrift in this new world with no anchor?

Hester Street is a drama movie featuring Carol Kane.

Hester Street is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Cohen Media Amazon Channel, MUBI and MUBI Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Hester Street on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.