39 Pounds of Love (2005) User Reviews (15)

Overcoming an impossible handicap

[janos451 · 6/10 · 30 November 2005]

When you see the plot summary for "39 Pounds of Love," you quickly make up your mind that it's sure to be A. uncomfortable, B. a "freak show," C. a tear-jerker, D. something maudlin, and E. a film to avoid. Those elements are all there, except for the last one. It's tough-to-watch, freakish, occasionally mushy, but it is also a worthwhile movie, one that will stay with you for a long time.

Dani Menkin's documentary is about Texas-born Israeli-Mexican Ami Ankilewitz, who was given six years to live at birth because of muscular dystrophy, which went on quickly to ravage his body while a toddler. At 34, weighing 39 pounds, and able to move only one finger (which he uses to create animated films), Ankilewitz embarks on a voyage across the US to face the doctor, who made that early diagnosis.

Part real-time footage, part recreation (not always successful, especially in the final sequence, with the elderly Cuban doctor looking uncomfortable with the recreation of their confrontation), "39 Pounds" somehow manages to go beyond being a documentary with a message. Ankilewitz's aspiration to "normal love" will resonate with anyone ever involved in a hopeless affair, and the film maintains its integrity by telling the truth.

Why does he have to see the doctor?

[YNOT_at_the_Movies · 17 November 2005]

What's written on the poster is: "At birth he was given 6 years to live... At 34 he takes the journey of a lifetime." Ami is an American-born Israeli who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy disease at the age of one. At age of 34, after the love toward his 22 years old care-giver didn't go well, he decided to come to the US to face the doctor who said that he would have only 6 years to live. He wanted to show the doctor that he is still alive, and weights 39 pounds. Why? Your guess is as good as mine, even I have seen this film.

Obviously it's courageous to live when all he can move is his left index finger, but why does he have so much anger toward the doctor who diagnosed his disease 34 years ago? His doctor just told his mom that based on the medical history, people with his disease won't live long. What's the point of him showing up at old doctor's door for? Why is tracking down this old doctor in the US is a journey of his lifetime? There are so many things we might be interested in Ami's life: how can he make those animations with the movement of only one finger? How can he go through daily lives while totally depending on others? How did he out lived his doctor's prediction? How does he deal emotionally when other people look at him like looking at a strange creature? The movie told us none of that. Instead, the filmmaker got a van and set up a trip to let Ami to show up at his old doctor's door in order to show him that he is still alive. I thought it was a joke.

Universal themes

[misszydelicious · 9/10 · 24 September 2005]

I went to see this film, thinking it was going to be a sappy tearjerker. Much to my surprise, the film was JOYFUL and even funny at times. It's hard not to be inspired by Ami.

That being said, the film is never preachy. At times I forgot Ami was disabled, as he deals with the same experiences that all of us face. Unrequited love, a broken heart, burying ourselves in our work, the drive to get closure of some type, the need to prove something to our naysayers. I had such empathy for Ami that I found myself cheering for him...but later realized it was also because I was hopeful for myself.

This film is an extraordinary effort and I look forward to Dani Menkin's next project.

A Winsome Story of Humor, Grace, and Dreams

[elokkesmoe · 9/10 · 12 January 2006]

"39 Pounds is the story of a limited man with unlimited dreams," I said to a friend. He responded: "Been there, seen that." I challenged him to watch this film, which he did. It blew away all of his expectations and presumptions -- my friend loves this film as much as I do.

39 Pounds is a unique story that refuses to dwell on disabilities, hardships, or even the clichéd "overcoming difficulties." Rather, and my friend agreed, it is a well-told story of a guy, just like the rest of us, who wants to do big things, to pursue his dreams. For Ami, it is a ride on a Harley and a confrontation with a doctor who predicted a short life. Along the way there are wonderful moments of grace - the reconciliation with a brother and the disappointment of unrequited love. The characters are likable. The story is captivating. And vignettes featuring Ami's amazing 3D graphic animations -- remarkable since he can barely move his hand to create the designs -- give the viewer moments to disengage with the story and then re-enter it again.

Everyone who has seen this film has loved it. Maybe that it why it is a semi-finalist for an Academy Award.

Good Movie

[john.foulks · 8/10 · 5 December 2005]

This picture is not for everyone,this person will keep you clued to your seat with his humor and strength, you will have to have some kind of heart or love for people to see this motion picture, it is a picture that can capture you and keep you in a state of caring, if you see it,you will never forget it, you will always remember his smile and determination to survive, he is the type of person you would like to take home, this picture will win some type of academy award, or other awards,this is one of my favorite motion pictures and I will never forget it for a long long time, please take time out of your busy day and come and look at this picture.

very fine touching and poignant

[lehmanb3 · 9/10 · 12 January 2006]

We found 39 pounds of love to be a very inspirational, sad, poignant moving, uplifting, and well presented documentary .. made us really appreciate the life we live, and recognize the power of love -- it is hard to fathom how anyone can be so hopeful in real life -- this is an excellent film that was able to capture the angst fear and hope of the main characters! we highly recommend this,, however the viewer should realize that it will not be a fun time, but a thought provoking time...Menkin did an excellent job, i read it was his first film, which is really quite amazing. I look forward to seeing other films he will produce- I think Menkin has a future in the film industry..

I admire Ami, and all he goes through each day.

[SpikeT · 10/10 · 13 March 2006]

I an in a wheelchair and after meeting Ami, I felt like I was walking. I'm a mentor for teens, and I tell them about Ami. He doesn't know the meaning of "can't be done". I never saw so much dedication, and unconditional love for everyone. The crew and Ami are very special people that are carrying a message to everyone. Don't give up, just keep trying. The more people that see this documentary, the more people will feel so much better about them selves. This documentary can make so many good changes in people. Ami lives day to day, not knowing if it's his last. For a man weighing 39 pounds, he's the biggest man I ever met. My life has changed for the better because of this film.

Moving documentary - def. worth seeing!

[j_rutgers · 9/10 · 5 October 2005]

I saw 39 Pounds of Love at the Edmonton film festival. I wasn't sure what to except, however, this film far exceeded my expectations. Ami Ankilewitz, whom the documentary is about, breaks down all the established notions of what living with a "disability" is like. He is smart, adventurous, girl-crazy and really funny! The journey he goes on in the film, to make peace with himself and with others, is such a universal story that I can't imagine someone not relating to him in some way.

I left the theater with the feeling that I had experienced something really special. Top notch film-making with a truly compelling story. The visuals and music were on par with docs like Mad Hot Ballroom and My Architect. And most importantly, I think Ami's story has the potential to move people in extraordinary ways.

I don't want to give much away, so I will just say if you have the opportunity to see the film (opening in NY 11/23 at Landmark Sunshine Theatre) - GO SEE IT. You will be glad you did...

Well done, intense, and heartfelt

[eshomnl · 10/10 · 26 April 2005]

This film is incredible. It's a heart wrenching story about a man who needs to prove his worth for life. against all odds this man who weighs only 39 pounds travels across the entire united states to show the doctor who said he'd only live til 6 thats he's still alive still here with enough love and guts to make his way through anything the world has to offer. He's a hopeless romantic and a talented animator. He shows the world that anything can be done with heart and drive.... and love. This is the tale of a man who will affect the world when his story is told to the masses. Seek this treasure out. I wouldn't be surprised to see this beautiful film leading the way at this years academy awards. I love this film and all who see it will fall in love as well.

Beautiful moving film validating the meaning of life and the soul

[claireleibowitz · 10/10 · 11 January 2006]

I urge you to see a remarkable film, "39 pounds of love," by Israeli Director Dani Menkin. This documentary features the life of Ami Ankilewitz, who lives life to the fullest, despite a debilitating medical condition.

Ami's life is explored in all its aspects: the medical condition that limits him physically, his creativity which soars in his animation, family feuds & dysfunction, the keen devotion of his friend, Asaf, and the discomfort society exhibits towards his physical disability. Director Menkin intersperses scenes from Ami's animation with his real life, which juxtapose his longing for love with his bodily limitations. The film forces us to confront our own views on the essence of the soul -- Ami's powerful persona comes through vividly, achingly at times, as we witness his quest for love and truth while on a road trip with the film crew.

As a director, Dani Menkin proves himself to be a sensitive and integral part of the film. He never intrudes, yet manages to participate in Ami's life both as director and friend. He documents Ami's dignity and personal philosophy in a visually beautiful and deeply moving way. You will laugh and cry and reflect on the beautiful messages and images long after seeing the film.

For more information on the film and viewing locations, go to www.39poundsoflove.com. This film is winning prestigious awards and opening in major cities.

Most inspiring movie of the year

[ahaydenmill · 10/10 · 2 August 2006]

I found this movie to be a wonderful display of the human spirit. The joy and life that Ami projects to the people around him is uplifting to say the least. His humor about life was one of the most interesting things to me. "Oh s*** man! I can't walk!"

One of the reviewers claimed to have watched the film and wondered why he was so angry at this doctor, even though during the film he says that he is not - he is just on a journey to make a point about the human potential - and this film does a wonderful job of driving that home.

Personally, it has pushed me to expand my limits and not let other people set my own. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone.

best film of the year

[rgreiner · 10/10 · 7 December 2005]

I had the opportunity recently to go and watch 39 pounds of love. What a great movie! Ami displayed a great spirit for life, and the human will to live. I feel inspired to live a better, more meaningful life and to show gratitude for the things I enjoy. Good Job AMI. The movie is above the rest this year and should win the Oscar. When my wife and I saw the movie we both expressed our desire to be better people and spend more time with our children. This is the type of film that makes people better. This is the type of film that people will enjoy. 39 pounds of love will make you smile, laugh, cry, and be proud of the human will and spirit. You will feel uplifted.

A great film - well worth seeing.

[jackiekg · 9/10 · 6 October 2005]

I went to this film with much trepidation - after all it was about a person who weighs only 39 pounds and has great limited movement of his limbs. I came out of the movie theater thinking - what a great film, so nicely put together and great graphics (done by Ami). This could have been such a sad film, but it wasn't; it's about a guy, Ami, who is making the most of his life. He has such a great personality, that he has lots of friends and does not feel sorry for himself. He sure knows how to occupy his time and we can learn a lot from him. I can see how Dani Menkin was so impressed with Ami and I must congratulate him and the team on a film put together so well. Looking forward to your next film Dani!

39 Pounds of Love

[shaliach · 10/10 · 6 October 2005]

Ami (the "star" of 39 Pounds of Love) is originally from Laredo, Texas. A special premiere of the film was shown tonight (10/6/05) in Laredo with Ami & his mother appearing after the showing for questions.

What an amazing and inspirational documentary this is! The film evoked both laughter and tears from the audience. It is a film which will give the viewer hope and a new outlook on their life because no one can see what Ami has to deal with every day and continue to think that their life is difficult. We first meet Ami at his birthday party in Israel where he declares his desire to travel to the United States. The film then goes back a year to show us why Ami chooses this path. Along the way we meet his computer animated characters, his family, friends and the woman he loves....

Deserves an Oscar nomination.

A beautiful film about choosing to choose again every day.

[bravermang · 10/10 · 6 October 2005]

In these modern times, when our society seems to be embattled over the Right to Life, Right to Choose and Right to Die, it is an awakening to see a Documentary that tells us of the Will to Live and the Pursuit of Happiness. This film is a passionate and skillful search into the livingness of life. It reminds us how banal it is to struggle over some of the choices that most of us face everyday. It proves that the greatest common denominator that many of us lose sight of is simply the act of living. This film manages to make me smile with humility and feel gratitude for the luxury of my state of being. It does this without having to erect a hero or deconstruct a villain. It is generous in spirit and can't help but show the human condition in all its frailty as simply beautiful.