moore2772

I loved it! Boz Luhrmann meets Cinema Paradiso in numerous ways. The plot is simple, as others here have already described. But it retains an abundance of charm. The undercurrents of antisemitism and fascism that were persistent in 1936 France are themes rarely seen on screen. Ditto for the Communist workers' movement during the same time. The clashes between these two groups were inevitable, and this film depicts that struggle brilliantly, without preaching to us or hitting us over the head with it. All the acting, singing and dancing are extremely well-done, and the cinematography, while Luhrmann-esquire is engaging. Best of all perhaps is the music. This film is destined to be a classic, and will always be on my favorites list. The only thing I would change is that I would retain the original title. The audience for this film is sophisticated enough to handle it.

Like many of you, I saw this movie (notice, I didn't say "film") because of its terrific stars. What I didn't expect was such an awful script. The stars did as well as they could with this awkward, implausible, predictable and boring storyline. The small subplot involving the mother was the highlight (to be kind...) Being in the 50-something target audience demographic, I expected to like this flick; instead I found it by far the least enjoyable evening I can recall at the theater in recent months. There is no humor, no pathos, the characters are neither believable nor sympathetic. Given the great roles that Dustin and Emma have had in their stellar careers, I'm simple aghast that either of them would agree to play this script. I suppose they needed the money. The "5" rating that I gave this was perhaps too generous.

I am a big Jordi Savall fan, having heard him live on several occasions. His wife and daughter appear in this Barcelona performance, and he himself appears as Monteverdi, the conductor. The playing is excellent, but the singing, unfortunately of his family members is not quite as beautiful as the competing versions. (There are several clips from this version on YouTube if you want to hear Montserrat's "La Musica" and make up your own mind.) We are blessed that there are so many DVDs of this fabulous work, and so many worldwide live productions to commemorate its 400th anniversary this year. This is a valid interpretation of this great opera, filmed in a beautiful opera house. I would recommend it in addition to others (such as Harnoncort's), but not instead of it. It is not perfect, but still quite excellent.