The Red Violin

Rating:
Summary: Only One Flaw
Review: I enjoyed almost all aspects of this film, with one exception. I thought Samuel L. Jackson was terribly miscast. While I appreciated the development of the story line that the violin would now continue the next phase of its fantastic life in a black household, I don't know if Jackson was the actor to pull this off. Also, the analysis of the violin's varnish, etc., near the end of the film, felt somewhat rushed in the presentation. Overall, a very fine story with many fine performances.

Rating:
Summary: A Superb movie!
Review: Even though I play the viola, anything that deals with a string instrument is of interest to me. This is a wonderful film that has a unique story (with a surprise @ the end...)The way the story was unraveled kept you interested, and it's the only "critically acclaimed" movie I've seen that was really, really good. In the beginning it can be slightly confusing, and I wouldn't suggest it to anyone under 13 (a few sexual scenes that parents might not want their kids to see...). After the very beginning it is very clear as to what's going on, and all the historical stuff! It's truly a great movie, believe me.

Rating:
Summary: I had every intention...
Review: ...of taking a nap when I happened on to this film, quite by accident. Was on a lengthy airline flight and looking for a music channel in my headphones when, on my screen, I came across this film, just starting. I was mesmerized from the beginning and could not take my eyes off of the screen! Drew me in from the "get go" and I could not think of falling asleep until it was over. Beautifully told and I was sad when it was over - I wanted more! Very different and refreshing with a number of faces unfamiliar to the American film scene, which in and of itself is appealing. Something like this only comes around every so often and if you enjoy good film, you will not be disappointed. One of the finest movies to come along in some time.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent story...very captivating
Review: This is not normally the type of movie I would even view, but I had a chance to see it twice (while flying) within 3 days on a trip to Korea. The acting is excellent throughout; the story line is very captivating. This is the type of movie that must be watched several times to truly appreciate its depth and significance. Strongly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Best movie I've seen in years!
Review: I've just seen this movie at the Cinema (it's not out on Video here yet) and thought it was the best movie I've seen in years. I love the twist at the end. I'd recommend it to any-one who likes 'Arty' movies that have a full story. I've heard the movie was made based on the book but haven't been able to find it. I'd love to buy the book to keep as a reminder of such a fantastic movie. If any-one knows if there is a book please let me know. My e-mail address is [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: The gift of love, the gift of music
Review: How could I not love this movie? - It is so full of beauty, so full of love and the entire spectrum of human emotions. It has suspense and mystery. There is the beautiful music, of course, and the beautiful photography presenting us with wonderful sceneries and what appear to be perfect snapshots into historic times and places. Then there is the unique way in which the story pogresses. We are not merely following the life of this masterfully constructed violin through the centuries. Each time we jump to another time and place we also return to the presence where the violin is part of an auction of musical instruments of extraordinary value. And each time we are confronted with the presence we see just a little bit more of the auction and all the events surrounding it. Thus we march not only through time but also follow Samuel L. Jackson in his attempt to verify that he is indeed dealing with the famous "Red Violin". As much as I enjoyed the way the story was woven, as much as I loved the music, as much as I feasted my eyes, I was even more moved by the films message, - a message of love. There is a father who wants to give his yet unborn child all of his love and the gift of music. As a violin maker he does this the best way he knows how - in the form of an instrument. The perfect violin. Perfect because it will hold all the love he feels for his wife and all the love he already feels for his child, all of his wishes, and dreams for his child, all of his plans and thoughts. When he looses them both during the child's birth he can't help but to also put all of his sorrow and pain into the violin. Over the centuries, in one way or another, the knowledge, the wisdom and all the emotions contained in this perfect instrument influence its players and owners, - the violin, in turn, absorbs their feelings and emotions. And while the maker of this violin was never able to give this gift of love and music to his child, the violin's destiny may yet be fulfilled. Find out out for yourself, by watching this wonderful film.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT STORY
Review: The Red Violin was one of the best movies I have ever seen. To me it is a deeply moving love story, combined with beautiful scenery and wonderful symbolism. Excellent! This is DEFINITELY one to OWN.

Rating:
Summary: If you are a choosy movie goer, this movie is for you
Review: The movie is not about the violin - it is about the everlasting power of a masterpiece through countries and centuries. The masterpiece happened to be a musical instrument, which was created to be used.Indeed, it was touched by many human hands and it touched many human lives. Although, the range of characters is great and their life circumstances vary, the viewer never gets an impression of a "jerky" narrative, where important facts are missing. The narrative is extremely smooth with just right grain of detailing and emotional intensity. I shall mention the superb quality of music score.I purchased it a couple days ago and kept listening again and again.

Rating:
Summary: A Triumph in filmmaking
Review: Some of the reviews here are misleading -- the movie is NOT subtitled throughout, only at times and you do not get much in the way of the history of violin making -- not sure what these are about, but it's a fabulous movie. It is brilliantly written (and edited! wow!) and balances romance, mystery, suspense, heartbreak and sheer joy. It has been completely overlooked by the Academy and the Golden Globes. It also has perhaps the most brilliant film score yet written. If I knew this film would always cost $100 I would still buy it.

Rating:
Summary: The best movie of 1999
Review: This is the most artistically made movie of the year. The cast is awesome and the story line was so original. It is also interesting to note that couples can perform fornication while one plays the violin. The editing of the whole movie linked so well, kind of like Pulp Fiction and I think it is praise worthy to the director how he indirectly showed that the whole world is linked to music.