Review of The Red Violin (1998) by Christian C — 16 Jan 2008
Spoilers!
This is probably the best script I've ever seen put to the screen. Two different framing devices - one flashing forward, one flashing backward, provide thematic context and impetus for the story of the violin itself. The clever use of the present-day framing device shows us the same period repeatedly, but adds growing excitement to the scenario by slowly revealing a little bit of new information each time. The other framing device provides foreshadowing and the central figures upon which the thematic core rests. And the story of the violin itself traces the tragic history of a family - woman, man, and child, all claimed, twice each. And as another reviewer points out, it's a story about love and posession - of people, and of objects.
Add to this subtitles in about 5 different languages, beautiful cinematography representing 3 continents, and you have ... everything you could ever want in an art film.
Frankly, I don't know why this isn't more highly regarded; perhaps it's too cerebral, and has no emotional core - although I doubt that's it. Probably it's the subtitles. Reading is hard!!!1.
This review of The Red Violin (1998) was written by Christian C on 16 Jan 2008.
The Red Violin has generally received very positive reviews.
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