39 Pounds of Love

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.

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.

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 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 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!