I admit, it is almost impossible for me to write an informed review of this film as I have no contextual relationship with Mozart's opera/operetta **THE MAGIC FLUTE**. In fact, and may be the case with other fans of cinema, my only connection to that opera is the scenes included in the film **AMADEUS**. However, I have challenged myself to watch the entire filmography of Kenneth Branagh, so **THE MAGIC FLUTE** is not to be ignored. With that in mind, I must apologize to the massively popular opera's fans who will see my approach devoid of knowledge of any production. This film version takes place during the first world war, in a non-descript country. It follows a young soldier sent on a mission to save the Queen of the Night's daughter, Pamina. The story reveals through magic that the kidnapper may not be evil after all. I imagine this story, set to match Mozart's original story idea, may be more palatable and light. Especially the importance of miracles in a story named after a magical flute. The United Kingdom's brilliant treasure, Stephen Fry, adapted this story into one that could be relatable to England during World War I. Branagh, who directed Fry in **PETER'S FRIENDS**, helms this beautifully designed film. the production and flow of the story show why Branagh is such a fascinating director. Being unfamiliar of any specific artist recording of anything from the Opera stage, I cannot comment in good faith to the power of any specific performance. But it seems to sound good to me. But lacking Patrick Doyle, it may seem less _Branagh_. This film took years to make it to the United States in any form until it eventually appeared on DVD. Maybe it's just the obvious. Its not as important a piece stateside. I'm glad to have seen it, but will likely avoid a re-watch for a handful of years.
A Groovy 1960s Musical Take on Wilde’s Most Popular Play. Being Earnest takes place in a mod, 1960’s, Austin Powers-era setting. All of the brilliant wit in Wilde’s most popular play intact in this effervescent musical about two young couples and the societal conventions, over-bearing mothers, and misplaced handbags in railway stations that they must overcome in the course of finding true love. The score is a sparkling homage to 1960’s rock groups such as Herman’s Hermits, The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, The Seekers, The Hollies, The Lovin’ Spoonful and more.
Mr Banks is looking for a nanny for his two mischievous children and comes across Mary Poppins, an angelic nanny. She not only brings a change in their lives but also spreads happiness.
Hans Werner Henze’s “The Raft of the Medusa” is directly inspired by Théodore Géricault’s famous painting. The German composer sets to music the fate of 150 people who have been shipwrecked and abandoned to their destiny. This is a radical work that fluctuates between hope and inevitability, agony and sudden bursts of life. The Raft of the Medusa is an oratorio that was first performed in 1968. Fifty years on, the Italian director Romeo Castellucci underscores its immense modernity, drawing a striking parallel between Hans Werner Henze’s work and the current migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
Asela, a young teacher comes to the Hatagala Elementary School situated in a remote rural village. In a short period of time, he is able to create a new educational awakening in the school with attractive, teaching methods.
The story of a German singer named Willie who while working in Switzerland falls in love with a Jewish composer named Robert whose family is helping people to flee from the Nazis. Robert’s family is skeptical of Willie, thinking she could be a Nazi as she becomes famous for singing the song “Lili Marleen”.
The teenage son of a rural preacher becomes a huge Elvis-like rock 'n' roll star, but he has trouble adjusting to fame and success.
A TV worker has fickle designs on an aspiring singer for whom she arranges an audition.
Conspiracies and regattas form the backdrop to the fortunes of a young singer. Harassed by a heartless spy, she sacrifices everything to save the man she loves and the woman he prefers over her. Ponchielli based his flamboyant opera on Victor Hugo’s play Angelo, tyrant of Padua. An expert on Hugo, director Olivier Py offers us a dream-like version of this dark Romantic tragedy, presided over by sex and death. Paolo Carignani conducts an exceptional cast in the six demanding main roles.
Experience 5 days of rocking, crowd pumping Blues competition packed with passion, music, and suspense. Discover the people who keep The Blues alive and the powerful international impact of America’s musical gift to the world.