39 Pounds of Love

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39 Pounds of Love ★★½ 2005

Ami Ankilewitz, now living in Israel and working as a computer animator, celebrates his 34th birthday by traveling back to the hometown of his youth in Texas where at 18 months old he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a condition, which was expected to shorten his life to no more than 6 years. Ami wishes to con front the doctor who predicted his early death, reconnect with his estranged brother Oscar and ride a Harley. Intercut with scenes from Ankilewitz's animated work, which provides insight into much of his inner thinking—a good portion of which revolves around the unrequited love he holds for his former caregiver Christina. 70m/C DVD . USD: Dani Menkin; M: Chris Gubisch.