39 Pounds of Love

Name: 39 Pounds of Love
Genre: Documentary, Biography, Romance
Released: 2005-04-08
Duration: 1 h 10 min
Rating: 6.5
Cast: Ami Ankilewitz

20052005
UnratedUnrated
1h 10min

6.5/10

255

Documentary Biography Romance

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.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.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.

6.5/10

255

Top credits

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Awards
- 3 wins

Dani Menkin at an event for 39 Pounds of Love (2005)

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Ami Ankilewitz

Selfas Self

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. —Kim Fishman

wheelchair travel doctor journey animator 38 more

Taglines
- At birth he was given 6 years to live... at 34, he takes the journey of a lifetime.
Genres
Certificate
- Unrated
Parents guide
- Add content advisory

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.

Top review

9/10

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.

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