Review of Fiddler on the Roof (1971) by Andrew P — 02 Aug 2012

If their were ever a definition for the word masterpiece, Fiddler on the Roof would be it. This movie has everything imaginable. One of the greatest musical films ever created and arguably the best. Rated by many as the number one film depicting the Jewish people. And many secular Jews often looked to this film as their main knowledge and spiritual feelings about their own religion.

The acting, dialogue and singing by each actor/actress are perfection. The songs are very memorable and quite great.

The movie deals with a family embodied in strict religious tradition. Tevye, the main character has a wife and five daughters. Struggling with not having any sons to help him tend his livestock and milk services. While even acting as a horse to his own horse! Still, he maintains a content outlook having his faith, town folk and family to keep him at ease. This all becomes tested when three of his oldest daughters marry men he would rather them not. Tradition is broken quite a few times, not to mention the Russian establishment harassing and eventually expelling his family and entire town at the end.

That is the most narrow, gist summary of this film. Their is so much more and even my own words cannot describe the greatness of this movie. And if I even attempt to try, and tell you everything wonderful about it and what makes it so great. I'm afraid this review of mine will be many times longer.

The movie tests humbleness and faith vs coveting, love, persecution and with outstanding depth, character analysis and strong perseverance allows a people written with historical persecution to carry on once again. The fiddlers violin, along with the powerful emotions heard in every song transcends this aspect of the Jews remarkably.

The people who made this didn't just perform plastic surgery, they performed brain surgery and everything else.

My favorite movie of all time.