39 Pounds of Love (2005)

This is the story of Ami, a man who while unable to move any part of his body, still manages to move each and every one of us, as he teaches us a part of life's intimate dance.

Director:

Dani Menkin

Writers:

Ilan Heitner, Dani Menkin

Star:

Ami Ankilewitz

3 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Ami Ankilewitz	...	Self

Storyline

39 POUNDS OF LOVE is the heartwarming story of Ami Ankilewitz, an American-born Israeli who at the age of 1 was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy that renders him immobile, except for one finger, which he uses to work as a 3D animator. His doctor predicated he'd die before the age of six. Over thirty years have passed and Ami, weighing only 39 pounds, still survives and "loves life", he is considered one of the world's greatest medical miracles. The film follows a riveting cross-country journey that Ami took with friends across the USA to look for the doctor who thought he wouldn't survive.

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Plot Keywords:

wheelchair | doctor | journey | animator | muscular dystrophy | 

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Taglines:

At birth he was given 6 years to live... at 34, he takes the journey of a lifetime.

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Romance

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dani Menkin first saw Ami in a Tel Aviv bar, and was instantly drawn to him. Arranging to meet Ami at his home some days later, Dani began a friendship with Ami that would eventually lead to making the film.

User Reviews

Universal themes

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.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew Spanish

Release Date:

8 April 2005 (Israel)

Also Known As:

18 kila agapi

Filming Locations:

Dallas, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,217, 27 November 2005

Gross USA:

$28,195

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$32,465

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO/Cinemax Documentary, Hey Jude Productions, Priddy Brothers Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color