Fiddler on the Roof Video

Average Rating:

The smaller-scale story is about a traditional Jewish father who is struggling to get by in the world. He explains the meaning of the fiddler on the roof early on and likens it to his survival. Topol gives us a great performance as we see his traditional ways tested with the marriages of some of his daughters.

The larger-scale story is about the changing face of Russia. Pogroms are moving people around or away, and this movie shows the effects on a village. I found it very informative.

OK, the music will stick with you. Even though I am not much of a fan of musicals, I find myself humming "Sunrise, Sunset," and I can still hear the daughters singing of the matchmaker. I music of Isaac Stern will stay with you also.

I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

Fiddler on the Roof is simply a timeless story, even if it finds itself placed in czarist Russia. The story revolves around Tevye, a poor Jew living in Russia and his struggle to stay true to his faith (and ideals) in a world that is rapidly changing. This film follows Tevye in his journey to meld his rich Jewish past with the modern world that surrounds him. His arguments with himself ("On the other hand,...") are priceless and allow us to relate with Tevye as he struggles with his heritage (the pogroms), his financial status ("If I Were a Rich Man") and his family (his daughters are entering marrying age).

Ths music is wonderful. The songs are poignant and easily remembered. I guarantee that you'll wind up singing/humming "Tradition" or "If I Were a Rich Man" days after watching the movie. The movie itself is humourous at times, and sorrowful the next and the storyline is deep, but is not a damning social commentary. The cinematics are also extraordinary, with the film being shot "on location" in Zagreb, Yugoslavia.

This is an ideal family movie, and I can remember watching (and loving) this movie at an early age. I'm glad I purchased this movie for my DVD collection, as it will become one of my most watched (and sung to) films. The box comes with only a single DVD, but is double-sided and contains additional footage, an additional song (cut at production) and a commentary on the movie itself.