If you’ve been paying attention to this blog at all the last few weeks you would know Fiddler On The Roof has had a major pressence in our lives. First we had the latest addition to our family, Tevye, then a few days later our oldest cat Chava died. A great “Sunrise, Sunset” example.
I grew up with the film having watched it a couple of times as it was broadcast. In the 80s when I purchased a VCR (video cassette recorder for those of you that don’t quite understand analog tehnological acronyms) it was one of the films I had in that format. Later on LaserDisc, it was a cherrished posession as it had much better video and sound quality, plus the added bonus of being in widescreen, so I could see the whole ov the movie for the first time. Eventually I got it on Blu-ray, and I don’t know how many times over the years (decades) I’ve seen Fiddler On The Roof, but suffice to say I like the film.
A while ago, like… I don’t know, 20 years ago or something, I even was able to see a live touring production and really enjoyed it. Particularly the two big dance sequences which are good on film, but really shine on stage (I’m referring to the bar and wedding scenes). Theodore Bikel was in the main role, the man who portrayed Tevye more than any other, though Topol is more recognized because of his appearance in the film.
Because Fiddler On The Roof has been so present in our lives recently we watched the film as a family. I asked the kids what their favorite part of the movie was. Xavier said his was the fiddler walking behind Tevye’s family. He is only 4 and didn’t really understand much of what went on so that’s a very understandable response.
August liked when Mottel and Tzeitel were singing in the woods after getting Tevye’s approval for marriage stating, “it was one of the most peaceful moments in the movie.”
Laura wouldn’t single out one thing but mentioned how much she liked the wedding, the song “If I Were A Rich Man” (particularly the line “Would it spoil some vast eternal plan?”) and also the song “Do You Love Me?”
Déla without hesitation declared “If I Were A Rich Man” her favorite.
Ciárán didn’t have one. His reaction at the end of the movie was pretty understandable. He said “That’s a bummer. I hope the sequel has a happier ending.”