Review of Fiddler on the Roof (1971) by Molly M — 20 Jul 2010

The film opens with Reb Tevye describing his stetl of Anatevka to the camera, with the song of Tradition helping him describe the town. This opening scene sets the stage for the next three hours, where music tells the story as much as the characters do, and the lead character reveals his thoughts through informal conversations with God, who he converses with as one would a friend.

Tevye has an avaricious side to him (If I were a Rich Man) and a trouble-starting side (Take your diseased chickens....), which is trumped by his good-nature and likeability. The film must conclude on a sad note, as anyone who knows the history of Jews in Tsarist Russia knows it must, but there is a personal triumph of sorts that makes the ending palatable.

The best part of the movie, of course, is the soundtrack, which should leave you humming for days.