39 Pounds of Love

"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.

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...

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.

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.

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.