 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fiddler on the Roof
- Review Date: August 21, 2005
- G
- Genre: Musical
- 1971
Common Sense Media says
Epic musical story of Jews facing religious persecution.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film tackles numerous social and political issues within a religious context, including the concepts of interfaith marriages, gender roles, socialism, religious intolerance, and more. Smaller children may be spooked by the movie's portrayal of the violence of the Russian soldiers, and may also be frightened by the film's ending, in which the inhabitants of a small Jewish village are forced out of their homes by soldiers. Expect some celebratory drinking.
What's the story?
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is an epic musical that is both a boisterous, comic look at rural life in a Ukrainian village, and a serious portrait of the sweeping, tragic changes the 1905 Russian Revolution forced on Russian Jews. The film centers on a humble agrarian family: milkman Tevye (Zero Mostel) is a devout Jew desperately attempting to hold onto his faith's traditions in the face of both the rebellious actions of his three marrying-age daughters and the increasingly ominous intimidation of Czarist officials. Fiddler starts off as a joyous trifle, with Tevye questioning his station in life in "If I Were a Rich Man," and his daughters wishing for ideal husbands in "Matchmaker." But the upbeat tone of the musical's first half makes the second half, which delves into the politics of the brewing Russian Revolution and introduces the terrible specter of exile and the Jewish diaspora, all the more disturbing.
Is it any good?
At the heart of Fiddler is, of course, tradition; the title itself refers to the instability of life, against which tradition provides support. But this movie musical marks the ways in which such traditions are eroded, both for good (the viewer is presented with sympathetic portraits of Tevye's daughters and their unconventional choices of husbands), and decidedly bad (the pogrom that sweeps Anatevka's villagers from their homes is hauntingly realistic).
It's this dichotomy that makes Fiddler a daring, thought-provoking departure from traditional stage musical.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the importance of religious traditions: are they stifling to individuality or do they provide a moral framework that imbues everyday life with meaning?
Talk about parental authority. What happens when children flout their parents' wishes? Teens: How do you handle conflicts with your parents?
What are the big messages of this film? How are the movie's messages relevant to today's cultural and political issues?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
GREAT MOVIE!!!!!!
This movie shows Jewish life and family. It shows how family goes beyond tradition. It has a lot of drinking and some violence from the Russians, and is very sad. It shows how matchmakers choose daughters to some random man, and how they only want who they love. I loved this movie. Under 8 might not know what's going on.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Best Musical of All Time
Absolutely the best musical ever written! The songs are unbelievable, the messages and morals are inspiring and thought-provovking, and there's even a touch of humor. An instant classic.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
simply fantastic
The best musical movie ever made!! The soundtrack is amazing!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Where can I download it?
I Like it but... the download .. where can I download it???
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
rated e for every one
Tevy is a old fashioned man in a changing world.
good music.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A touching, wonderful movie!
This movie is touching at times, joyful at others, and even sometimes sad. It's a wonderful movie, that you can't stop watching. Alchohol and violence are a small issue, but besides that this is a must-see movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
July 19, 2010
AGE
A Must-see for ages 9+!
This is a funny, joyful musical about a family of Jews who have 5 daughters 3 are old enough to get married. There is lots of traditional dancing, there is a part were the father gets drunk but it's not to,to bad. There are also some parts were the Russians invade the city and the Jews are forced to leave. Children under 8 may not understand it or may get scared.
There is NO suffering or gruesome parts were you have to close your eyes. There is a lot of humor, dancing and there are tons of songs.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
good movie this is
This movie is pretty good i thought. its suitable for all ages however a young kid might find it a little boring. its long but enjoyable. the music is great
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | history, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | A&E Home Video |
| Director: | Norman Jewison |
| Cast: | Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, Norman Crane |
| Genre: | Musical |
| Run time: | 186 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 3, 1971 |
| DVD release date: | October 2, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | musical |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
