Movie spotlight
The Concert
A former world-famous conductor of the Bolshoï orchestra, known as "The Maëstro", Andreï Filipov had seen his career publicly broken by Leonid Brezhnev for hiring Jewish musicians and now works cleaning the concert hall where he once directed. One day, he intercepts an official invitation from the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet. Through a series of mad antics, he reunites his old orchestra, now composed of old alcoholic musicians, and flies to perform in Paris and complete the Tchaikovsky concerto interrupted 30 years earlier. For the concerto, he engages a young violin soloist with whom he has an unexpected connection.
Insights
Plot Summary
A former celebrated conductor of the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrei Filipov, was disgraced and fired in the Soviet era for hiring Jewish musicians. Thirty years later, he is working as a janitor at the same theatre. When he learns that the Bolshoi is scheduled to perform in Paris, he gathers his old, disbanded orchestra members, who are now also struggling, to impersonate the current Bolshoi orchestra and perform the concert.
Critical Reception
The Concert received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its heartwarming story, musical performances, and the charm of its lead actors. Audiences also responded well to its blend of humor, drama, and musicality, finding it an uplifting and entertaining film.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its charming and uplifting story that blends comedy and drama.
Lauded for its vibrant musical performances, particularly those of the orchestra.
Gérard Depardieu's performance was highlighted as a significant strength.
Google audience: Google users frequently commended the film for its heartwarming narrative, the beautiful music, and the emotional depth it conveyed. Many found it a feel-good movie with a strong message about redemption and the power of music.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Audience Award at the 2009 San Sebastián International Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the 2010 European Film Awards. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2010 Golden Globe Awards.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Radu Mihăileanu, drew inspiration from a real-life event where a group of Jewish musicians, banned from playing in the Soviet Union, formed an orchestra and played together in secret.
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