Rigoletto

We purchased this movie several years ago and continue to enjoy it. Rigoletto's story line is a clever blend of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, but it's the MUSIC that keeps me replaying it. The acting is just fine, but the SINGING! "April Child" will forever make me weep... The story is solid and uplifting. An absolutely wonderful family movie.

...or so might say G. K. Chesterton.



What's good about this film is that it understates fairyland's case. It isn't pedantic. It leaves the trip to fairyland as an exercise for the student. It doesn't draw lines between the dots.

In the jaded postmodern era, a film like that's to be highly praised, whatever its other flaws.

This film was one of my childhood favorites. And when I watched it again as an adult, I still found it to be quite enjoyable. It is the music that makes this film. And despite the obviously weak subplots, Rigoletto is a beauty film with a beautiful meaning.

No, this film is not incredibly well acted or rich in cinematic scope. It doesn't have to be. The premise is not original and the film is fairly predictable. And that's ok. Because what the film does deliver it delivers very well. Made for families, this film gently reminds the viewer of Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera....with moral lessons about discrimination, forgiveness and judgment shared along the way. Add to this a heartwarming soundtrack, and it makes for a very pleasurable and touching experience in front of the small screen.

When the mysterious and seldom seen Ribaldi comes to town, things begin to happen. Some good and some not. How will the town people address the changes in their community, who will be painted the villain, and whose lives will be indelibly changed? Take a chance and enjoy the serene magic of this quiet little film and share a few tears and smiles with your family. Quality time guaranteed.

It has been a long time since the last time I saw this movie. But yesterday, I got an odd feeling that I needed to watch it again. So, I watched it last night, and was--as usual--blown away by this beautiful movie.

Yes, it's definitely a "Beauty and the Beast" story, but there are MANY movies who have used this typical fairytale storyline. And for once, for this movie, they used it right. Mr. Ribaldi was absolutely frightening at first, but as Bonnie grew to know his true self, so did I. And all I can really say is an echo of Bonnie's sentiments after having heard Ribaldi's heart-rending, sorrowful performance of "The Curse": "No one can sing like that and not be beautiful."

The ending is VERY predictable. Heck, the whole movie is predictable... But that doesn't matter to me. I laughed, I cried. And when I have the money, I am buying the Rigoletto soundtrack so that I can sit all day and listen to the absolutely breathtaking voice of Joseph Paur--who I think is very handsome, by the way.

It's really a pity that the sequel to this movie has not yet been distributed. I am crossing my fingers that it will see the light of day someday soon... And I hope that Joseph Paur is in it. I think I have a new favorite actor. :-)