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Fiddler on the Roof

Play trailer Poster for Fiddler on the Roof G,  1971,  3h 1m,  Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 81% 75 Reviews Tomatometer 92% 50,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
81% Tomatometer 75 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
A lavishly produced and critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the international stage sensation tells the life-affirming story of Tevye, a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the-century czarist Russia.
Fiddler on the Roof

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A bird may love a fish -- and musical fans will love this adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, even if it isn't quite as transcendent as the long-running stage version.

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Critics Reviews

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Joe Clay The Times (UK) Feb 28, 2024
Topol, Israel's best-known actor, played Tevye... delivering an unforgettable and barnstorming (literally — see the If I Were a Rich Man number) performance in the film. Go to Full Review
Wanda Hale New York Daily News May 17, 2023
4/4
Fiddler on the Roof, stunning, joyful, jubilant and emotion stirring, is an artistic triumph for Norman Jewison. Go to Full Review
Pauline Kael The New Yorker May 16, 2023
The movie offers the pleasures of big, bold strokes; it's American folk opera, commercial style. Go to Full Review
Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Feb 6, 2025
6/10
The concepts may be potent, with morbid historical lessons to be imparted, and the script intelligent, with a knack for elucidating Jewish plights and defiance under tsarist rule, but they’re nonetheless considerably drawn-out. Go to Full Review
Joe Baltake Philadelphia Daily News May 16, 2023
What Jewison has whipped up here is a sprawling, broad-shouldered family entertainment jam-packed with lively songs; warm, funny situations, and endearing characters. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Rey R Mar 24, 2019 A high-spirited, stellar musical classic on traditional, culturally-clashing ideals, sweepingly driven by epic reminiscence and powered period drama that is at the level of "Gone with the Wind" with exquisitely unique music and humorous bits, all under Norman Jewison's best direction when making the play more dimensionally, while being uplifted by Chaim Topol's forefront, reflective performance with a symbolic attachment. (A-) (Full review TBD) See more
Hermione W Feb 8, 2019 https://sites.google.com/view/ttbreviews/our-company/fiddler-on-the-roof
Feb 1, 2019 The best inspiring musical movie ever made! With 2 of the best movie songs ever sung: If I Were a Rich Man and Sunrise, Sunset! See more
Finn W Nov 10, 2018 At first giddy with personality, though slowly dropping into religiously complex melancholy, this Broadway musical-turned-film is still a classic feast the for the eyes and ears, beautifully filmed and perfectly led by Topol. See more
Harry G Aug 12, 2018 A heartfelt musical about the Jewish cause. Norman Jewison directs Fiddler on the Roof as a personal journey for one Jewish father named Tevye (Topol). It chronicles a Jewish family in the Ukraine from the early 1900's. I love how Jewison films Tevye's monologues to himself and the audience. The endlessly crafty cinematography, epic sweeping panning shots, complexly choreographed dance sequences, and tender acting performances all come together nicely in Fiddler on the Roof. Not to mention, this is a musical! The music is memorable and funny, while also conveying the sincere emotions and deeply held beliefs of these people. It harkens back to traditional Jewish values and melodies. I love the score and the singing alike. I think most audiences will at least enjoy the songs scattered throughout Fiddler on the Roof. Above all, I must credit Topol. He is an incredible actor who carries the majority of the film. Fiddler on the Roof is told right alongside him. We get his thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on every issue and moment. He conveys strict Jewish tradition, while also desiring to change for modern times. Topol's performance is one for the ages as he captures the harshness necessary for the desperate times, while simultaneously depicting a tender and understanding father. You feel and empathize for his cause. Topol makes you laugh and sing, but you truly come to understand and respect him as a man. This is complex characterization at its finest. Topol should be proud of his magnificent contribution to cinematic excellence and Jewish history. In short, Fiddler on the Roof is a timeless classic. Both beautiful and enjoyable as a musical as well as demonstrating Jewison's mastery of filmmaking. Fiddler on the Roof is a movie you must watch before you die, not because you are told to, but rather because it is so engaging and important. Enjoy! See more
Albus R Jun 29, 2018 What a great musical! Makes you feel like dancing and singing along. Tradition! La Chaim! To Life! Matchmaker and Sunrise, Sunset. The dancing is awesome too. See more
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Fiddler on the Roof

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Movie Info

Synopsis A lavishly produced and critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the international stage sensation tells the life-affirming story of Tevye, a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the-century czarist Russia.
Director
Norman Jewison
Producer
Norman Jewison
Screenwriter
Sholom Aleichem, Joseph Stein
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
Mirisch Company, Cartier Productions
Rating
G
Genre
Musical
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 1, 1971, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016
Runtime
3h 1m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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