Fiddler on the Roof is one of my very favorite movie musicals. The story is based on the work of Sholom Aleichem, a Russian novelist. This 1971 film is a must-see for anyone interested in music, Jewish culture, or who is just looking for a good movie.

Plot Information
This is the story of Tevye the milkman (Topol), his wife Golde (Norma Crane), and his five daughters in a small Russian village. Anatevka, the town is predominantly Jewish and the religion is central to the culture and relationships shown in the film. Tevye intends for his girls to find husbands and marry in the traditional manner, but the three oldest have other plans. Tzeitel (Rosalind Harris) wants to marry her childhood sweetheart, Hodel (Michele Marsh) wishes to wed a revolutionary student, and Chaya (Neva Small) falls in love with a Christian man. In the meantime, political events and world instability threaten the village. The central theme of the film is Tevye’s struggle to maintain tradition while still allowing his daughters to follow their dreams.

What I Like
The single best reason to watch this movie is for its wonderful songs. All the actors have wonderful voices and a lot of charisma. The film starts with “Tradition”, which sets up the basis for the story before the opening credits even roll. One of my very favorites is “If I Were a Rich Man” sung by Topol. He manages to carry the whole scene and keep my attention, even with no other characters in sight. I also love the solemn “Sabbath Prayer” performed by Topol and Norma Crane, and the touching “Sunrise Sunset” so often sung at weddings even today. Some of the songs are accompanied by large-scale musical numbers involving dozens of towns people dancing and singing. I really enjoy the dance scene at Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding where the barrier between men and women is torn down for the first time.

There is something for everyone in “Fiddler on the Roof.” I love the touching scenes of family and romantic love. The scenes between Tevye and Tzeitel when she expresses her wish to marry Motel are particularly moving, as are the scene when Tevye asks his wife Golde if she loves him. Toward the end, I find myself wanting to cry when some very horrible events befall the village of Anatevka. There are also some truly funny scenes in the film. One of my very favorites is a conversation between Tevye and the butcher Lazar Wulf. The butcher is talking about a potential match with Tzeitel. Tevye thinks the man is talking about buying his new milk cow. Misunderstanding and humor ensues.

In general, the acting in “Fiddler on the Roof” is great. The relationship between Tevye and Golde is particularly interesting, and Topol and Crane do a great job bringing it to life. There is a prickly kind of love and also a power struggle of some sort that makes the couple interesting to watch. Of the three daughters Michelle Marsh does the best job in engaging my attention, but all three are great.

I saw this film for the first time in Music class in fifth grade, and I love it even more today. Although released in 1971 the movie doesn’t seem dated at all. This is probably because the themes of family and father/daughter relationships are constant, and the movie is not set in contemporary times. “Fiddler on the Roof” is rated G. It is a great film for all ages, although young children might need some explanation of the political events that serve as the backdrop to the story.

What I Don’t Like
This film is pretty great. My only complaint is that a couple of the musical numbers drag a little. Particularly, I find myself getting bored during the long dancing segment in “To Life” and also during the slightly Bizarre “Tevye’s Dream”. If you have a short attention span like me, you may find yourself reaching for the fast forward during these.

Overall…
This is a classic, traditional musical that will never go out of style. The filmmakers did a good job of creating a three hour movie that feels focused and stays entertaining throughout. There are many complex characters and the actors do a great job bringing them to life.

*Want more singing? Check out my Top Ten Movie Musicals of all time!

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD