ITZHAK

On its surface, the career of renowned violist Itzhak Perlman warrants a loving film biography. Beyond the obvious success, there is much more:  a polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel; violin playing of such a quality that Tel Aviv violinmaker Amnon Weinstein refers to it as "praying with the violin;" a 50-year marriage with wife Toby amongst a large and loving Jewish family in New York City; and continual support for young musicians. Alison Chernick's film captures all of these aspects of a rich and prolific life.

80 minutes. Not rated.