The Red Violin (1999)

Mounted in high lavish style, from the opening strains to coda, The Red Violin pays homage to the careful uses of color and composition without bothering to support these qualities with any real substance. Oh, it's a class act on the surface all the way, while failing on nearly every other level to convince. The story tells the story, revealing precious little else. The 17th-century Cremonese instrument-maker Niccolo Bussotti finishes his final violin with a curious red varnish, the secret of which spans the film, yet will come as a surprise only to the very sleepy. The odd voyage of this unique violin through history is then explored from one episode to the next, from child prodigy to gypsies to Victorian virtuoso to a clandestine enclave of art lovers in Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution. This is all framed by the violin's rediscovery in present day by instrument appraiser Charles Morritz (Samuel L. Jackson), for whom the perfect instrument strikes a resonant chord. The main scheme of the film, an object connecting a number of seemingly disparate stories, has been used many times, most notably in Max Ophuls's La Ronde. But while this approach is employed elsewhere to cause one scene to reverberate against another, The Red Violin is content to leave each episode thematically unconnected with any of the others. On the decorative level, the film may satisfy many viewers with its sensuous attention to tone and detail, as well as its eclectic and expertly performed score. But as narrative it is very slight. Just pierce the pretty crust of this puff pastry and gaze in wonder at the pocket of air within. --Jim Gay Amazon.com

A Must for Violin Lovers

This complex tale follows a magical violin from its tragic creation in 18th century Italy to its sale at a contemporary auction house in Montreal. Like any good movie, it requires the willing suspension of disbelief which for me was easy enough to do with the exception of Samuel L. Jackson playing the part of Charles Morritz, the violin expert. He is a wonderful actor but is totally miscast here. This is an entertaining film that weaves together several amusing vignettes accompanied by John Corigliano's enchanting film score. Buy it at a discount and you will not be disappointed. December 12, 2008

A Travelling Violin...

What a glorious movie! You will be captivated by the intregue of this fascinating story as well as moved by such beautiful music and historical settings. Truly a moving story told throughout. Not to be missed! October 9, 2008

One of the finest film scores out there.

With this outstanding score, John Corigliano emerges as one of the finest film composers to be found. September 15, 2008

A MUST SEE

I believe this movie was a sleeper - a real blockbuster that no one heard about. I think this is another one of my top favorites of all time. There wasn't a dull or sleepy moment throughout the entire movie. It was fascinating and interesting as the violin traveled through time and the ending made me laugh and squeal with delight. The only thing I had a problem with was knowing he was taking a multimillion dollar violin home to his kid. That almost gave me a heart attack. Besides that, it is a movie that I have watched again and again. It is always thrilling and fun to watch. August 19, 2008

The Red Violin DVD

I received a new copy of The Red Violin. It arrived in a timely manner and was in, the as discribed condition. August 9, 2008

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