The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz

About This Movie

So, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is a character study that really digs into the psyche of a young man driven by ambition and social status. Duddy, played by Richard Dreyfuss, is this complex figure—he’s charming and irritating at the same time. The film flows through his ups and downs, showing how his relationships shift as he pursues his dreams, often at the expense of those around him. The atmosphere feels very much tied to the 70s, with a mix of humor and reality that captures the struggle of working-class life and Jewish identity in Montreal. The pacing feels natural, letting you settle into Duddy’s world, while the performances are raw and genuine, which really brings the themes of aspiration and moral ambiguity to life.

This film has a certain scarcity in physical formats, especially on VHS and earlier DVD editions. It tends to pop up in niche collections since it doesn't always get the attention it deserves compared to other films from that era. There’s definitely a following among collectors for Richard Dreyfuss's early work, and the film itself offers some interesting reflections on ambition and morality, which can spark great discussions among fans of character-driven narratives.