The Legend of 1900 [IMPORT]

Rating:
Summary: Two Hours of Magic
Review: I Picked this DVD up because I am a big fan of director Giuseppe Tornatore ( Cinema Paradiso, Malena ). Five minutes into it I knew I was in for treat. Tim Roth stars as "1900", an abandoned infant who is raised on a steam ship and never sets food on dry land. His whole world exists only with the passengers and co-workers. Soon his talent as a piano player becomes legendary which forces a showdown with the great Jelly Roll Martin ( Played by Clarence Williams III ). The jazz soundtrack done by Tornatore's frequent collaborator Ennio Morrocone alone is worth the price of admission. All in all this movie is a real gem.

Rating:
Summary: Music Of The Ocean
Review: You probably know Tim Roth from playing bad guys, as in "Reservoir Dogs", "Pulp Fiction", "Planet of the Apes" --if you didn't notice, he was the bad ape--, or ,even, in "Vatel". Now, watching "The Legend of 1900", you'll be surprised seeing him playing the title role, 1900 -- yes, this is his name-- who is a very melacholic musician.

1900 was found in a ship when was still a baby. Adoped by one of the men who worked in it, he grew up watching people immigrate to America and being greeted by the Statue of Liberty. He is a natural born musician, so he can perfectly play piano, and it starts to call people's attention. So the film follows the life of this man who never leaves the ship. The story is told by one of his band mates.

The script is very fine, balacing some funny moments and some melancholics events. It is impossible to forget the impressive duel between 1900 and the father of the jazz. And Ennio Morricone's score is superb. The music that 1900 'composes' in the very moment a record is being recorded and he falls for a beautiful girl resonated in my mind for days. This piece is deeply touching. Giuseppe Tornatore is, as everybody knows, Italian and he directs the movie with the Italian approach, in other words, it will touch your heart and will make you cry many times.

There is no doubt that Tim Roth is the heart, soul and fingers of the film. Although he does not play piano, he just mimes, it is so good that one may think he is actually playing the songs. Other thing that is not impossible to avoid mentioning is his eyes. They are so deep and expressive. Most of his feelings are expressed by those melancholic pair of eyes. 1900 grabs your heart and, even though being so surreal, he looks so believable that you think you're watching a story very likely to have happened.

I recomend this movie for those who like Italian Cinema, and music as well. I don't think this is the kind of film for everyone, but, surely, it has its audience.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Its story is original, touching, deep... it's a wonderful movie!

Rating:
Summary: an unappreciated cinematic jewel
Review: I cannot believe that this picture did not get more recognition upon its release. The story is truly original and heartwrenching while the quality of the cinematography is magnificent. I personally feel that Tim Roth should have recieved higher praise for his portrayal of 1900. His acting is understated, and he is pathetically precious as 1900. I wanted to give my heart to this tragic and beautifully pained piano man. Such a response must be some indication of this film's calibur. Beautiful, romantic, and tragic. I could not have loved this film more.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Awesome!!!
Review: I saw this movie just last night on cable and I was thoroughly blown away. Tim Roth's portrayal of the tragic pianist 1900 is breath taking. A man with an limitless innate gift for playing piano who can't bear to leave the ship he calls home. The duel between 1900 and Jelly Roll Morton was for me the highpoint of the piece. Just beautiful.

Rating:
Summary: Legend of 1900
Review: A wonderful blend of music and romance. This film is sure to win your stamp of approval. A must see!

Rating:
Summary: Stunning!
Review: Stunning! Amazing! Fantabulous! Can't find enough words to describe this film. I love this film and was fortunate enough to see it on the big screen. Tim Roth, one of my favourite actors, was amazing! Giuseppe Tornatore and Ennio Morricone collaboration, to me, can do no wrong. I've seen Cinema Paradiso and that was also beautiful.

I heard that the the film was longer when it was originally released in Italy. Any plans on releasing the original version on DVD? Plus, does anyone know whether the song played during the storm scene, where the piano does a dance across the ballroom is on the Italian soundtrack release? I love that song and it's not in 'The Legend of 1900'. I found that there are extra tracks on 'La Leggenda Del Sull'Oceano' and would love to purchase that if that song is in the album.

Rating:
Summary: No awards, no marketing, and what a shame!
Review: As many other reviewers have stated, it is an absolute shame that this film wasn't presented to the American public with the advertising vigor of Titanic. Much like Titanic, this film has fantastic effects that make the ship seem real. Much unlike Titanic, the story is interesting, and the acting is supurb. The overall cinematography is absolutely captivating, and the music is so engrossing that it washes over you like the water the ship travels on. This is by far the best film I have ever seen, and I recommend the DVD, as it should be viewed in widescreen.

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly underrated and unknown
Review: This was by far the BEST film of 1998. A wonderful fantasy. It took New Line 3 YEARS to release it on DVD for some strange reason. And even more curious...they NEVER released it on VHS!?!?!? Why?!?!?

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Movie
Review: I first had the pleasure of viewing this movie in Italy 3 years ago and I have been trying to find it ever since. After 3 years it is finally available so I encourage you to take advantage of this obviously overlooked movie and watch this rare gem. This movie is a must for anyone who loves the piano.