Viewed in
2011
Formats
Cable TV
Premise
In pre-revolutionary Russia, a poor Jewish peasant must contend with marrying off his three daughters while antisemitic sentiment threatens his home. Based on the musical.
Liked
The complex story, Topol's performance, the music.
Disliked
Audio/video sync issues.
Thoughts
I didn't love it, but it was enjoyable and interesting.
Unlike most musicals, I found the story to be quite engrossing. I appreciated the fact that it did not dumb down the themes of poverty, orthodox religion, changing times, revolution and Jewish displacement. It was weird trying to enjoy a tale full of sadness while there's singing, dancing and comedy going on. I thought it did a decent job of balancing between gravity and levity.
Another main reason for the film's success was Topol's performance as the burly, stubborn, loving Tevye. He was a charming and sympathetic presence while exhibiting wild mood swings. Having said that, I was a bit disappointed that they did not keep Zero Mostel as the lead, who made that role on Broadway. Nevertheless, Topol proved the critics wrong with an enthralling performance.
I also really liked the music. It had tons of memorable songs, some very humorous, others just flat out haunting. My high school had done Fiddler on the Roof nearly two decades ago, and watching this now, it instantly sparked memories of those wonderful melodies and lyrics (though "Dibby Dibby Dum"-ing seemed rather lazy in "If I were a Rich Man").
Granted it was made four decades ago, but I found it technologically a mess. The video/audio was not in sync (really obvious when the fiddler fiddles), there was some bad editing, inferior sound quality, and zoom issues. It was very distracting. I would be lenient on such issues except that I've seen older musicals with less problems.
I was also slightly underwhelmed by Jerome Robbins' choreography, but that might be due to the fact that I thought everything would be as badass as his work in West Side Story.
Overall, I enjoyed this lengthy musical, thanks to Topol, interesting themes, and unforgettable music. But I wouldn't mind if this was remade with better production value. I just wouldn't know how to cast Tevye, maybe Brad Garrett?
What I would change
No idea.
Random
A very young Barty Crouch Sr. from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was apparently in this cast as someone called Sexton.
Lastly, Zombie Jews!
