Watch Itzhak

Itzhak is a documentary film about the life and career of world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. Directed by Alison Chernick, the film features interviews with Perlman himself, as well as his wife Toby Perlman and many friends and colleagues, including Alan Alda. The film begins with Perlman recalling his youth in Israel, where he first discovered a love for playing the violin. Despite being diagnosed with polio at a young age, Perlman persevered through his disability, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated classical musicians of his generation.

Throughout the film, Perlman discusses his approach to playing and teaching, and the challenges he has faced throughout his career. We see Perlman performing with orchestras around the world, as well as mentoring young musicians and advocating for music education.

Interspersed with concert footage and interviews are personal moments from Perlman's life, such as his daily routine at home and his relationship with his wife, Toby. We learn about the couple's early years together, as well as their struggles with fertility and the joy they find in their children and grandchildren.

One of the highlights of the film is the insight it provides into Perlman's creative process. We see him rehearsing with other musicians, working through difficult passages in his music, and offering advice to young artists. The film also explores how Perlman's Jewish heritage has shaped his music, and how he has used his platform to promote understanding and dialogue between different cultures.

Throughout the film, Perlman's enduring passion for music and his commitment to excellence are evident. Whether he is performing for a packed concert hall or playing with a group of young students, Perlman approaches every opportunity to make music with joy and enthusiasm.

In a poignant moment near the end of the film, Perlman reflects on the role of music in his life, saying "Music is one of the most spiritual forms of communication that we have. There are certain things that we cannot say with words, but you can say it with music."

Overall, Itzhak is an inspiring and moving portrait of a true musical icon. With its combination of captivating interviews, stunning concert footage, and intimate glimpses into Perlman's personal life, this film is a must-see for fans of classical music and anyone who feels passionate about the power of art to inspire and uplift us.

Itzhak is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 69.