Movies About Mozart

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is a 2002 biographical war drama directed by Roman Polanski. It tells the story of Polish Jewish musician, Władysław Szpilman, and his struggle to survive the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto during World War II. After being separated from his family, Szpilman hides in the ruins of the city and survives by scavenging food, enduring extreme hunger and illness, and staying out of sight of occupying German forces. Through a stroke of luck, he comes into contact with a certain German officer, who not only helps him, but also puts his own life in danger in order to protect Szpilman from being found out by the Nazis. Ultimately, Szpilman is able to make it through the war and resume his career as a musician. The film is based on Szpilman's memoir, The Pianist: The Extraordinary Story of One Man's Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a biographical drama film directed by Milos Forman based on Peter Shaffer's stage play of the same name, adapted by Shaffer from his original screenplay. The film follows the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) as told by his rival Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Salieri is an established Italian composer who struggles to accept the remarkable genius of Mozart, who is a brash and immature young man. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn of the complex relationship between these two composers and the many events that shaped their lives. As Mozart's career grows, Salieri's jealousy and bitterness take a toll on his own health and sanity, eventually leading to a tragic resolution. The film is filled with dramatic performances, lush visuals, and an unforgettable score.

From François Girard, starring Carlo Cecchi, Jean-Luc Bideau, Christoph Koncz, Jason Flemyng
Rated R

The Red Violin is a 1998 Canadian drama film directed by François Girard and starring Samuel L. Jackson, Carlo Cecchi, and Irene Grazioli. The film follows the incredible journey of a red violin, made in 1681 in Cremona, Italy, that touches the lives of many people in various locations and eras over the course of 300 years. The film chronicles the violin's journey from its creation to its final end in a charity auction in Montreal. Along the way, we meet the violin's various owners, all of whom have their own unique stories and struggles, including a master violin maker, a gypsy, a British family, a music prodigy, a Shanghai musician, and a Canadian auctioneer. In the end, the red violin is revealed to be much more than just an instrument; it is a symbol of both the beauty and sorrow of life that connects us all.

From Scott Hicks, starring Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Justin Braine, Sonia Todd
Rated PG-13

Shine is a 1996 Australian biographical drama film directed by Scott Hicks, starring Geoffrey Rush and Lynn Redgrave. Based on the life of pianist David Helfgott, the film follows his journey from his troubled childhood to his musical successes in adulthood. The film begins with a young David, played by Alex Rafalowicz, struggling under the oppressive influence of his abusive father, who forces him to practice the piano for hours on end. It follows him as he eventually breaks away from his father and enrolls in the Royal College of Music in London, where his unyielding dedication to music leads to a mental breakdown. After a period of recovery, he re-emerges in Australia to pursue his musical dreams, leading to a career full of success and self-fulfillment.

From Radu Mihaileanu, starring Aleksey Guskov, Mélanie Laurent, Dmitriy Nazarov, François Berléand
Rated PG-13

The Concert is a 2009 French-Romanian comedy-drama film directed by Radu Mihaileanu. The film follows Andrei Filipov, the former conductor of the Bolshoi Orchestra, who is now reduced to working as a janitor after being fired for protecting Jewish musicians from being dismissed. When the orchestra is invited to perform in Paris, Andrei secretly assembles a rag-tag orchestra using Jewish musicians from across Europe. As the orchestra rehearses, Andrei must also contend with the KGB, who are tracking the musicians, and his own personal issues. Through a series of events, Andrei and the musicians manage to put on an incredible performance, helping to heal old wounds along the way.

From Anand Tucker, starring Emily Watson, Rachel Griffiths, James Frain, David Morrissey
Rated R

From Directors: George Sidney, Joseph Barbera, William Hanna, starring Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly, José Iturbi
Rated Passed

From Agnieszka Holland, starring Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Matthew Goode, Ralph Riach
Rated PG-13

From Franco Zeffirelli, starring Fanny Ardant, Jeremy Irons, Joan Plowright, Jay Rodan
Rated PG-13

From Jan Kounen, starring Anna Mouglalis, Mads Mikkelsen, Elena Morozova, Natacha Lindinger
Rated R