39 Pounds of Love

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!

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.

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.

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..

"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.