Fiddler on the Roof

Release Year: 1971

Director: Norman Jewison

Review: Oh, if I were a rich man..I'd still really enjoy this film.  Generally  I'm not a fan of pure musicals, but 'Fiddler on the Roof' managed to bridge the genre gap.  Classic musicals often have a lacking atheistic, feeling like filmed theater production.  This isn't the case here.  This is a beautifully shot film full of rich visuals. The music in it is great, but it doesn't solely rely on the singing and dancing to entertain, it is very much a movie.  I may not identify with all the themes, but somehow a story about a Jewish man marrying off his daughters in pre-revolution Russia still managed to connect with me.  More than just religion the film is about the struggles of a tight-nit family and the push against an evolving society.  While it is a long film, it never felt like it, which is a big indicator of the enjoyment level.  Topol playing the lead is always entertaining when he is on, and completely embodies the role.  I don't think I could ever watch another rendition of the play without him in the role.  In many ways 'Fiddler' is a classic musical done right.  It uses the film medium to enhance the experience rather than simply capture the production on film.
Rating: 4/5