The Chosen

Alfonso Herrera delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Ramón Mercader in the movie 'The Chosen' (2016), a historical drama that delves into the complex and tumultuous life of Leon Trotsky as seen through the eyes of his assassin. Herrera embodies Mercader with a chilling intensity, capturing the inner conflict of a man torn between his ideological convictions and personal loyalties. As the film progresses, Herrera skillfully portrays Mercader's transformation from a staunch Stalinist agent to a more introspective figure, grappling with the moral implications of his impending act of political violence. His portrayal is marked by a stoic exterior that often betrays the subtle hints of vulnerability and doubt, effectively drawing the audience into the psychological labyrinth that Mercader navigates. Herrera's performance is a standout element of the film, as he brings depth and humanity to a character that could have easily been reduced to a one-dimensional villain, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Hannah Murray delivered a nuanced and compelling performance as Sylvia Ageloff in the 2016 historical drama "The Chosen," directed by Antonio Chavarrías. Murray's portrayal of Ageloff, a real-life figure and a secretary for Leon Trotsky, captured the complexity of her character's political convictions and personal vulnerabilities. ageloff is depicted as an idealistic and intelligent young woman, deeply involved in the revolutionary politics of the 1930s. Murray brought a sense of authenticity to the role, embodying Sylvia's passion for social justice and her commitment to the cause. Her performance was marked by a delicate balance between strength and naivety, as Sylvia becomes entangled in a web of espionage and romance, ultimately leading to her involvement in one of the most infamous political assassinations of the 20th century. Murray's ability to convey Sylvia's internal conflict, as she grapples with her loyalty to Trotsky and her relationship with his assassin, Ramón Mercader, added layers of depth to the film's narrative. Her portrayal was both sensitive and powerful, ensuring that Sylvia's character was not overshadowed by the looming historical events, but rather emerged as a poignant human story against the backdrop of political upheaval.

Henry Goodman delivered a compelling performance as Leon Trotsky in the 1981 film "The Chosen," based on Chaim Potok's novel of the same name. Set in Brooklyn during the 1940s, the film explores the complexities of friendship, faith, and ideology against the backdrop of World War II. Goodman's portrayal of the exiled Russian revolutionary was not a central role, but his scenes were pivotal, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and political fervor of the era. With a mix of intensity and vulnerability, Goodman captured Trotsky's fervent belief in his revolutionary ideals, while also hinting at the personal toll of his exile and political downfall. His interactions with the protagonist, Danny Saunders (played by Rod Steiger), were electric, as they debated the merits of Zionism versus Communism, reflecting the broader ideological battles of the time. Goodman's performance was a testament to his ability to convey the depth of Trotsky's convictions and the charisma that allowed him to remain an influential figure, even in the twilight of his life.

Julian Sands delivered a poignant and nuanced performance as Kotov in the 1981 film "The Chosen," based on Chaim Potok's novel of the same name. Set in Brooklyn during the 1940s, the story explores the complexities of friendship and faith against the backdrop of World War II. Sands portrays Kotov with a magnetic intensity, capturing the character's fierce intellect and deep-seated emotional turmoil. As a young, charismatic Hasidic Jew, Kotov grapples with the pressures of his strict religious upbringing and the broader secular world, particularly through his unlikely friendship with a Modern Orthodox Jewish boy named Danny Saunders, played by Robby Benson. Sands' performance is marked by a palpable sense of internal conflict, as he conveys Kotov's passion for the Talmudic studies, his reverence for his spiritual leader, the Rebbe, and his growing disillusionment with the insular Hasidic community. His portrayal is both a tribute to the strength of tradition and an empathetic exploration of the struggle for individual identity, making Kotov a memorable and profound character in the tapestry of the film.