Depicting the plight of Jews in early 20th century Russia, Fiddler addresses the question of how the distinctive, chosen people maintain their identity in a changing world. In one word? "Tradition!" "Without our traditions, we would be a shaky as a fiddler on the roof!"
Some of the best musical numbers of all time are found here: "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset," "Matchmaker," "To Life," "Do You Love Me?," and of course "Tradition!" Combine these great musical pieces with great dancing, acting, and meaning, and you have the stuff of memories.
Even the part I can't stand is fitting. Ever since my first viewing I have hated the song "Wonder of Wonders," as sung by the geeky tailor Motel. Musically the song is a wreck, the choreography basically has him scampering through the woods in a completely awkward manner, even the cinematography changes style to something more jerky, so that everything adds up to a giant, glaring cancer of discomfort in the middle of an otherwise healthy and beautiful film. And yet on further consideration, I have to admit that the song absolutely suits the character, and in his joy at that moment he doesn't care what I think of him. That in itself is kinda beautiful, even if I still fast forward through the scene when I watch the movie.
The characters are memorable, the plot is full of beauty and heartache, the sets are wonderfully dirty, and the lighthearted moments are as frequent as the somber ones. Fiddler is a film for the ages, a great performance by Topol, with some of the most iconic moments in musical history.
Watch it and enjoy. It's the best film that begins with the letter "F."
Entertainment: 8/10
Artistic Value: 9/10
Technical Merit: 7/10
Overall: 8.5/10
Honorable Mentions for the letter "F:" (and there are many)
- The French Connection
- Fight Club
- Fargo
- A Few Good Men
- Finding Nemo
- The Fugitive
- First Blood
- The Fifth Element (for you, Dave)
- Fantastic Mr. Fox
Thank you. I can die a happy man.
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