Review of Fiddler on the Roof (1971) by Gustavmarkovic31 . — 11 Sep 2012

A terrific musical, which doesn't end the typical happy way most do, and pushes the boundaries of contemporary filmmaking, creating several unigue trademark camera angles and scene work that appeal to the eye and are pleasantly humorous.

Topol shines as Tevye, his life-long role, the main character of Fiddler and a troubled man at that. As he puts it, 'blessed' with five daughters and a poor living condition, he delivers the milk around his traditional jewish village Anatevka, friendly with all the locals who share each others' tales. When he is asked by the butcher for his blessing to marry his eldest daughter Tzeitel, this begins a whirlwind of events for Tevye, including a poor tailor in love with Tzeitel, his second daughter leaving home to marry a poor revolutionist, his third daughter marrying a russian, therefore disowned, and the russian forcing the whole town of Anatevka to leave and find somewhere else to live.

Many supporting characters are involved to support jokes and scenes in their own ways, including the classic beggarman, the old matchmaker woman Yante, the aggravated butcher Lazar Wolf, the Rabbi, the Constable and Golde, Tevye's wife, who all provide character development for Tevye, and challenge his beliefs and needs throughout.

In a touching finale, we see how the events of the past effect on the future, when the town is forced the evacuate by the Russians, and Tevye's family is split apart due to travelling plans and emotional trouble, which prompts saddened singing and unenthusiastic dancing. All of which is intended of course.

Hugely ejoyable, great singing, great acting and great cast. The songs are fantastic, especially emotionally-charged 'Sunrise, Sunset'.