Ami Ankilewitz was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) -- an extremely rare and often fatal form of muscular atrophy that severely limits his physical growth and movement yet at 34 years of age -- he continues to outlive a doctor's prediction of life expectancy by 28 years. And counting. Ami, who weighs only 39 pounds, works in Israel as a 3D animator and creates his art despite the fact that his bodily motion is limited to a single finger on his left hand and in doing so, continues to
redefine notions of a "limited" life. The film follows Ami's journey in search of the doctor who predicted his early demise. Along his journey, Ami attempts to come to terms with another major incident from his past and to complete a lifelong dream: To finally ride a Harley Davidson.
It's not quite on the level of Enron, or even other disability-themed nominees such as Murderball. But with a subject like Ami Ankilewitz, nitpicking seems out of the question.
39 Pounds of Love is a heavyweight emotional champion. Although deserving such adjectives as lovely, loving and inspiring, the documentary steers clear of cloying excess.
None of this is intended to detract from the courage and will of Ami Ankilewitz. His life is extraordinary. But he has not been well served by the documentarians.
Ami seems to be very much The Poster Boy for himself, but not for the severely disabled in general, even though this will easily, if erroneously, be read into the film.
Despite an anticlimactic finale and a flimsy storyline, there are enough endearing moments of hope and redemption here to keep 39 Pounds worth its weight.
Despite Menkin's clear belief that he's crafted a rousing true-life drama, his film plays like a cliché-ridden, painfully self-conscious Hollywood melodrama about a noble person with disabilities.
Love it or hate it, you'll never forget it. It is a decision that you really need to make for yourself... See it prepared to laugh and don't forget the kleenex... :fresh:
December 10, 2005
Jennifer Jensen
This film made me glad to be alive. Watching Ami overcome his life circumstance made me feel like I could overcome anything. No whimpering allowed!
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