The Grand Bolero

I am dying to see this film in theaters, because I'm confident the experience will be that much better. (I originally watched it on my computer through a virtual film festival.) Goodness gracious the SOUND! The POWER of the organ! I could FEEL the music. And the echoing feeling of the dialogue in the grand cathedral was spectacular. I have no idea how they pulled that off. The story was unique and captivating. I was constantly guessing at what would happen next.

And Lidia Vitale... WOW. I'm searching for words to describe her performance, but everything comes up short. She is mesmerizing and powerful. She says nothing and says everything.

Excellent film from Italy at the San Jose film festival, CINEQUEST. During COVID lockdown, a church is closed down and hires a later middle age woman, Roxanne, a organ repairer, restorer and tuner to work on the theater pipe organ and full pipe organ. The lone priest takes in Lucia, rejected by family; not able to talk, illiterate and only understanding English as an assistant. Cold, gruff Roxanne is totally against the idea, but does work with Lucia. Soundtrack is exceptional, church pipe organ, theater organ and sounds of nature. Cinematography of foothills of the Italian Alps and the lush forest vegetation is excellent. Acting is excellent by all.

What a visually beautiful film! The cinematography was excellent and the score using all the organ music added so much to the watching experience. All the characters were engaging with worthy performances. I love when a film surprises me in the end, this one did! Very nicely done by Gabriele Fabbro for his first feature film. I look forward to more from this director.

Be me.

Bored.

"Yea I guess I'll go watch a movie." Watch The Grand Bolero.

Cry for two days.

It's fantastic. A touching film anchored by the magnetic performances of Lidia Vitale and Ludovica Mancini. The musical flow is fantastic and I've never been more draw in to a tiny corner of the world that I have no connection to but somehow felt so intimately close to. A testament to the craft on display and the overwhelming care and love put into the film.

Bravo!

The Grand Bolero is compelling and engaging, the acting is amazing and the direction original and creative.

For those who love music, be prepared to the hypnotic sounds of the fascinating pipe organ, which has the real leading role in the story.

I had the pleasure to meet the director Gabriele Fabbro, he is a very young Italian talent, and I'm sure this will be one of his firsts successes.