Genre Grandeur – Fiddler on the Roof (1971) – MovieRob (Encore Review)

For this month’s next review for Genre Grandeur – Movies of the 70’s, here’s a review of Fiddler on the Roof (1971) by Me.

Thanks again to Sherise of The Girl That Loved to Review for choosing this month’s genre.

Next month’s Genre has been chosen by me. In honor of the month when Marty McFly came to visit us here in 2015, I have decided that we will be reviewing our favorite movies featuring time travel.

Please get me your submissions by the 25th of October by sending them to timetravel@movierob.net  Try to think out of the box!

Let’s see what I thought of this movie:

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[to God] “I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else?” – Tevye

Number of Times Seen – Too many to count (TV, video, DVD, 15 Jul 2013 and 21 Sep 2015)

Link to original review – Here

Brief Synopsis –A poor Jewish Milkman in the early 1900’s must deal with the changing world around him while still trying to cling to his religious roots and traditions.

My Take on it –This is not only one of my favorite movies from the 1970’s,  but also one of my all-time favorite movies ever.

I grew up watching this movie and listening to the songs from the musical and I can definitively say that this is my all-time favorite musical.

Not only do I find the tunes extremely catchy and poignant, but the underlying message of the story rings true in any part of history including today; basically the message is timeless.

The basic premise of this story is how to find a proper balance between one’s religious beliefs and the ever changing and modernization of the world.

Where is that fine line that one is willing to bend the rules before you get there, but that you know it will all break when you cross it?

It is a theme relevant to all religions and like I stated earlier, is timeless because of the way the world has constantly changed and evolved throughout time.

Zero Mostel originated the role on Broadway back in the 60’s, but when they made this movie, they wanted to go with a younger actor, so they chose Haim Topol to re-imagine the role despite only being in his 30’s at the time.

This has become his role over the years and to me it doesn’t matter who tries, no one will ever manage to do a better job in the role of Tevye than him.

Bottom Line – One of my favorite musicals that not only has great catchy tunes but also has a strong message about where does one draw the line when seeking the balance between modernization and sticking to ones religious roots.  Haim Topol is amazing in this role and I don’t think anyone else could do justice to Tevye as he has done for so many years.  Highly Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia –  Director Norman Jewison was brought into the project by executives at United Artists thinking he was Jewish. His first words to the executives upon meeting were, “You know I’m not Jewish… right?” (From IMDB)

Rating – Oscar Worthy (no change from original review)

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