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From Schubert to Strauss, Bach to Brahms, Mozart to...Billy Joel, Itzhak Perlman's violin playing transcends mere performance to evoke the celebrations and struggles of real life; "praying with the violin," says renowned Tel Aviv violinmaker Amnon Weinstein. Alison Chernick's enchanting documentary looks beyond the sublime musician to see the polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel, and the young man who struggled to be taken seriously as a music student when schools saw only his disability. Itzhak himself is funny, irreverent and self-deprecating, and here his life story unspools in conversations with masterful musicians, family and friends, and most endearingly his devoted wife of 50 years, Toby. Itzhak and Toby's lives are dedicated to their large, loving, Jewish family in NYC and their continual support of young musicians. As charming and entrancing as the famous violinist himself, ITZHAK is a portrait of musical virtuosity seamlessly enclosed in warmth, humor, and above all, love.
Rating
NR
Director
Alison Chernick
- This was honestly one of the most profound docs I've ever seen. A religious experience through and through. From the subject matter (Perlman is the ultimate fiddle player in my book) to the was he (and his wonderful wife) was captured by the auteurs, director, DPs, sound... glorious team all around. I especially enjoyed the fact that there were no talking heads, the fallback for most docs of this nature. Wonderful to see the world through Perlman's rose-colored glasses. Puts so much in perspective. I could watch this film 100 times and learn something new each time.Reply
- fantastic documentary. telling the inspirational story of the most talented and influential violinist of our times. highly recommended - especially for those of us who grew up playing or listening to classical music. breathless playing and great story telling by Chernick!Reply
- As a nearly-lifelong violinist, and proud holder of Itzhak's autograph from TangleWood (when I was a teenager), I was thrilled to find the man himself was just as compelling than his music. This documentary was fundamental to solidifying what I absorbed from him years ago, and his wife now echoes: Musicianship comes from within. This is a fantastic in-side-out look at a man who personifies what music can - and should be.Reply
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- Even for viewers who aren't particularly religious, the soul of Perlman's music will make the documentary a spiritually uplifting experience.Reply
- The moments during which Perlman is performing are breathtaking. Seeing his emotions as he plays and the bond he shares with his violin is wondrous.Reply
- If you thought musical genius, by definition, would be intimidating, the documentary Itzhak should go a long way toward changing your mind.Reply
- [Watching] Alison Chernick's able but unexceptional documentary...one cannot but be charmed as well as amazed by Perlman's virtuosity, energy and sheer humanity.Reply
- Chernick and her quartet of cinematographers and her probably overworked seamstress, editor Helen Yum, have created an entertaining, crowd-pleasing salute to a virtuoso whose life is truly inspirational.Reply
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- Perlman seems that rare sort: a virtuoso at peace with God, neighbor, and himself, a man who suffered much in youth, and then triumphed over that suffering to make a happy, ordinary life.Reply
- Watching [Itzhak Perlman] onscreen removed from his art and yet still so connected to it becomes our education and ultimately inspiration.Reply
- The PBS-styled doc doesn't exactly explore Itzhak Perlman's hidden depths, but heck, that's what the music is for.Reply
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- Chernick has made an engaging film about an ordinary guy who happens to also be an extraordinary musician.Reply