Swing

A film done with the rich background of someone who knows his roots. Tony Gatlif goes deep into Gypsy traditions, lore and way of life.

Maybe not in a historical way, but in a lively, musical and natural manner, as it emanates from Gypsy culture. Many years ago, National Geographic published a long article, and then a book, on Gypsies. I remember writing to the photographer, who spent several years traveling with Gypsies from all over the world. Remarkably, he answered in a beautiful letter where he recounted the many adventures he had living like a Gypsy for a long time.

What we see in this film through the eyes of Max, an uptown-grown french young boy, is a revelation for all of us who are truly fascinated by the stories of Gypsies, as the National Geographic's photographer was.

Max is played delightfully by Oscar Copp in his first appearance on screen. A boy with a mischievous smile, clear and beautiful eyes, and a spirit that soars above all, as he connects with music. This, he learns from the real Tchavolo Schmitt, one of the most gifted guitarists in the world.

Swing, characterised by Lou Rech, is a young girl who befriends Max. A Gypsy from another world that shows Max the love for life, music and nature.

Music plays a major role in this film. Maybe you won't find a better way to get into the process of making music than in Swing. As many extremely talented musicians get together for just the fun of playing, they get into it and develop truly frantic rhythms that will make you -at least, smile.

Music is central to the story as is the discovery of a new world for Max. Swing's role is beautifully portrayed by a girl that may look tough but is as sweet as a rose. She leads Max, with her uncle, into the many Gypsy traditions he will later adopt himself. Max and Swing's relationship is beautiful and, more than anything, joyful.

From a cinematographers point of view, this film transcends with the human spirit exuded by the characters. It follows, in a very naturalistic approach, the very sense of life.

I'm usually favourable towards French films, and a bit against american superproductions. This film simply reminds me that life, as is, is more important than anything we have, and, absolutely, the french way of filmmaking always reminds me of this. Two thumbs up!

In this film we join a young boy Max, who spends the summer in the company of Gypsies, taking guitar lessons and learning about their culture, their way of life, and their people.

It's a gorgeous film, full of interesting faces & fascinated with the nature. The camera is patient and joyous--a reliable witness to a life and a people.

Music is the centerpiece of the film, as it is in Gypsy culture. The musical sequences are amazing, animated and warm.

But the movie is not a flimsy excuse for music, either--it holds and surrounds the music, weaving it into vignettes about Max's summer, and of the gypsy girl he has befriended, Swing.

In the comments I've read here people always mention the lack of story. I'm not sure what they are complaining about. There are actually three stories here: the music, the Gypsies themselves, and the story of a young boy and girl.

Between the soul-stirring music and the joyful enthusiasm of youth, I was deeply affected. In turns I smiled, laughed, clapped, and tapped my feet to the music. A most enjoyable time at the movies.

The music is the star of this film. And the musicians, of course. The story of the growing friendship of Max and Swing is a nice and well played structure holding the whole thing together, as Max learns about Swing's people and gets accepted into their life. If you know the music of the "Hot Club of France" and the power of Django Reinhardt's playing, then you don't want this film to end. I wonder if Mandino Reinhardt (who plays himself) is a descendant of Django - sure plays like one!

If one favors the traditional model of fiction film and does not accept freer and more open narrative structures, «Swing» is not a recommended film. It may even seem too foreign for a consumer of mainstream cinema produced by Europe and the United States, for someone who is habituated to the pace of those films, to the point of provoking an unjust rejection of this particular tape of motion picture. Tony Gatlif combines conventional narrative storytelling techniques with the approach to subjects found in anthropological documentary, with testimonies, natural actors and long musical sequences. With the emphasis put on music in «Swing», these sequences have the primary purpose of rescuing "marginal" cultural forms, interspersed with the "classical", perhaps in search of new forms of expression as a means of survival. «Swing» is a film about culture shock and loss: first, it shows the clash of different visions of human relationships, between Max, the French boy who simply observes and becomes excited with music and love, and Swing, the gypsy girl who alternates between pubescent girl and adult woman, willing to lead a juvenile version of marital life. On the side of loss, the film deals with the absence of the loved ones and the disappearance of the cultural supports that give meaning to the life of the group of gypsies. The great musician Tchavolo Schmitt shines in his role, as well as the two children playing Max and Swing, Oscar Copp and Lou Rech. A beautiful film.

Characterized by both gentle and frenetic rhythms, the vibrant music of the Manouche resounds throughout Swing the latest film by director Tony Gatlif. The Manouche are Gypsies living in the Alsace area of France whose music combines the rhythm, melody, and emotion of their own culture with the jazz, swing, and blues of American. Gatlif, of Algerian and Gypsy ancestry, has made numerous films dealing with Gypsy cultures around the world such as the acclaimed 1993 documentary Latcho Drom. This film not only provides a unique insight into Gypsy life but is also a charming coming-of-age story about two unlikely friends.

Max (Oscar Copp) is a blond-haired, blue-eyed French ten-year old who is on vacation at his grandmother's house. He is drawn to Swing (Lou Rech), a boyish-looking girl of his age and is captivated by the music that is an integral part of her life. Fascinated by the guitar music of the Django Reinhardt School played by Miraldo (Tchavolo Schmidt), he buys an old guitar and asks Miraldo to give him lessons in exchange for help in writing letters to the Welfare Department. Max and Swing explore the natural beauty of the countryside together, wandering along the lost roads and hidden rivers of the French countryside. When she invites him to musical evenings at her home, he learns the history and songs of the Manouche and their tribulations during the holocaust.

The story is slight and not fully realized but it doesn't matter. The film is not about the story but about the people, their music, and their way of life. Gypsies have been one of the most persecuted ethnic minorities throughout history. Like the Jews, their numbers were decimated during the Holocaust and their heritage and traditions are in jeopardy. Gatlif says, "I'm simply trying to transmit something that is disappearing… I am trying to be a witness". Swing transmits that "something" with meaning and joy.