"The Red Violin" Movie Review

The movie “The Red Violin” is a beautiful story of the history of a 300 year-old violin and how it affected the lives of each owner. The movie was directed by Francois Girard, and starred Samuel Jackson, Jason Flemying, Greta Scacchi, and Christoph Koncz. The music was written by John Corigliano, but performed by the talented violinist, Joshua Bell.

The epic adventure of the violin begins in Cremona, where it was made in 1681, by Nicolo Bussoti (Cecchi). Bussoti begins making this violin in hopes that his unborn child will play it. But sadly, when his wife and baby die in child-birth he becomes consumed with grief. He takes the blood of his wife and uses it as paint for the new violin. He also uses the hair of his dead wife to paint the violin. After the creation of this violin that holds the spirit of Bussoti’s dead wife, the violin travels the world. The violin is donated to an orphanage where it is played by a child prodigy, then travels to England, Shanghai, and Montreal. The odyssey of this violin is quite intriguing and captures its audience with wonderful characters and a great story plot.

Caren Weiner Campbell, writer from Entertainment Weekly said, “The film’s segmented structure makes it perfect for stop-and-start viewing.”

If you are interested in a classical movie that will hold you from beginning until the end then “The Red Violin” is the perfect choice.