Fiddler on the Roof is a semi-historic musical about the antisemitism in pre-revolutionary Russia. On the other hand, it’s also a film about a faith-filled father struggling to balance Jewish tradition and the marriage of three of his daughters.

Tevye is a poor Jewish milkman with a deeply rooted and conversational relationship with God. Though the small village of Anatevka faces antisemitism from the Russian militia, Tevye knows the Russian constable in their village well, and it is peaceful there.

While the antisemitism in this story doesn’t reach its full climax until the end of the film, Tevye has other pressing issues to address. Namely, his three eldest daughters wish to be married.

Traditionally, a matchmaker arranges the marriage, and the father (in this case, Tevye) approves it. Tevye has no plans to abandon his “Tradition!”

His daughters have other plans.

One asks for his permission, one asks for his blessing, and one just asks him to accept the marriage after the fact. Throughout the story, Tevye wrestles to reconcile his three loves in life: his love for tradition, his love for his daughters and his love for God.

The three-hour musical features lively music, energetic dancing and the story of a father doing his best.