Rating: 
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: I can think of a hundred reasons why this movie shouldn't have worked. Between the five different segments, some in subtitles, some not, the repetition of the modern day scene to show concurrent actions, and the whole story seemed at a glance to conspire against itself. Somehow, someway, the director and screenwriter managed to pull everything together in a way that not only was appealing, but downright ecstasy.I'm not a big fan of subtitled films in general, and while it wasn't a tremendous distraction, the visuals and period sets are so great that I can't help but think that you miss something by having to constantly look down to read the dialogue. The British and Chinese segments (the 3rd and 4th in sequence) were the ones that stood out the most, because by then the story had really picked up steam. Also, they depict time periods that are a little more familiar to us now than the others. I am not quite sure how this happened, but somehow near the beginning of the film I figured out what was supposed to be a major plot point for the last part of the film. Don't ask me how. All I can say is that if you also happen to figure it out, it doesn't make a bit of difference to the enjoyment of the film. In a way I'm kind of sorry because I think if I didn't know what was coming I would have enjoyed it even more, if that's possible. I've gone through this whole review and I haven't even mentioned the soundtrack yet, which I picked up the other day. Again, I am not a tremendous fan of classical music or violin playing, but the selections, particularly the solos, are inspiring. The work as a whole pleases the eyes, the ears, and the sense of story while crossing over into at least two mass media. I would say that's a pretty good movie.
Rating:
Summary: Sensuous, Sumptuous & Sonorous (plus DTS)!
Review: "The Red Violin" is a fascinating and complex film which uses several plot devices to tell its story. Central to its emotional core is a beautiful original score by American composer John Corigliano which weaves a spell over all who encounter the violin. The DVD presentation offers DTS digital sound, a feature I had not before encountered on DVD. My receiver/amp lit up like a Christmas tree and my surround speakers took on an enchanted life of their own. The solo violin of Joshua Bell speaks for the violin throughout the film. I was very impressed with the sound and the video image was consistently clean and sharp throughout. There is an interesting look at the making of the film in special features, plus a partial cast listing that's a bit disappointing. No matter! The film story is what is important here. At the outset, the film takes us to Italy of the 1600s in the workshop of a violinmaker. The master of this shop has a young, pregnant wife and he shows her his finest violin...one he created for their unborn son. Troubled by strange feelings, the wife seeks out one of her servants who reads Tarot cards, and from this point on, the film's first plot device grabs the attention and never lets up. There are five cards. The first card is turned over and its meaning explained. We are then shown that the baby is dead at birth and the wife died shortly after. And you want to say, "Whoa!" The next plot device appears in modern-day Montreal where an auction of rare violins is in progress. Each time this scene appears throughout the movie, we see a different person in the audience and are treated to that person's connection to the prized item on which they wish to bid: The Red Violin. From there, the story unfolds in time...Austria in the 1700s, England in the late 1890s (a very, very sensual segment), China in the early 1920s and mid-1950s and finally back to Montreal. Back and forth the story moves, from auction to tarot reader (a new card interpretation with each visit) to story, along with the subplot of Samuel L. Jackson's master appraiser unraveling the mysteries of the red violin prior to the start of the auction. It's a fascinating, masterfully crafted film with wonderful performances and soaring music. "The Red Violin" entertains and stuns. This is a film crafted by filmmakers who not only love film but love music. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Rating:
Summary: Talent at its best
Review: The tempo of the film held me breathless for most of the film. The way the plot unfolds gives a character to the violin. I beleive that the most sensitive viewers wil feel the imaginary pain that is inflicted on the violin. There is only one word which can explain it BEAUTIFUL.
Rating:
Summary: So Rich, So Colorful!
Review: The score was beautiful, but not intrusive, the time periods were absolutely captivating, and the ending was thought-provoking. Actually, I didn't really understand the ending at first, but after some thought, I am really quite satisfied with it. I do agree with other reveiwers that the choice of Samuel L. Jackson was a little strange, but that's life. Overall, the intricate tapestry of color does not pull this film apart, but brings it together. Superb!
Rating:
Summary: Great plot, great acting, great EVERYTHING!
Review: This is one of the favorite violin classical movies. "I Loved This Movie!" said Rober Ebert from Siskel and Ebert. I bought this DVD, but I don't even have a DVD player yet. You have to either go and rent this movie or purchase it right here. The DVD is a lot cheaper than the VHS (over a hundred dollars). Best movie I have ever rented and now... bought but can't watch it yet.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Movie
Review: This is the best movie I have seen in the last several years. It is extraordinary!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie In 99!
Review: This is the greatest movie I have seen in a long time. The plot is complicated and intense, you don't know what is going to happen throughout the whole movie. Ingenious screenplay! I love this movie, I have seen it several times and each time I catch somthing new. Great!
Rating: 
Summary: pretty clever
Review: i really didnt think i would enjoy this film. yet i did enjoy it alot. the story is very clever with several interesting plot turns. it kept me interested the whole way through. some of the characters are exceptional. it is a pity that more films are not made to this standard. the ending leaves it open to us to decide what happened which i feel is a good thing. my only complaint is that it is a long movie and does seem to drag in a couple of places. overall a good watch and something very differnet. give it look.
Rating:
Summary: Music of the Soul
Review: "The Red Violin," an enigmatic and haunting tale of a Renaissance musical instrument grabs the viewer from the moment it begins. The images and symbols created and reflected are brought to the front by flashing and foreshadowing. As viewers, we should be compelled to examine our inner-selves. The Red Violin becomes human, its soul sometimes evil, always in search of itself.
Rating:
Summary: so amazed
Review: when i first rented this movie and watched it i didn't know what to think of it because i didn't follow the format but after. i started grasping the concept of the movie which was at the end of the first time i watched it. i just had to watch it again and i did over and over again i truly love this movie.
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