Hooked from the first to the last minute, became my favourite movie in an instant!

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2011)

After watching the preview (and finding out that Alex O'Loughlin has a role in it), I just had to see this movie. So about an hour before I wanted to go to sleep, I put the movie in, and I watched it all the way through, exceeding said bedtime by an hour, but it was more than worth it.
It started out with a voice-over from Evan, and this is when (if you're a music lover, whether classical or in general) you get hooked. YOu just feel that certain something pulling you into the movie, you feel how you're connected to the music and his story, and I am no orphan or grew up in an orphanage.
Highmore plays his character very well, he comes across as a damaged young boy, who wants one thing in the world desperately: to find his parents and be with them. His gift for music (undoubtedly inherited from both his parents) helps him tremendously and is a treat to watch develop. Some reviews stated his performance to be weak, because he isn't all happy and giddy all the time, but I find this a perfect depiction of the boy he's supposed to play. 10/10
Rhys Meyers also proves his money's worth: In love or heartbroken, as a businessman or a rock band member, he can play it all. He played out his character exactly as you would imagine a person like that to be. I cannot say any more about him.
Russel hasn't done anything deserving less than a praise: She looks so avidly for her son, it's heartbreaking to see how much she cares. You can just feel and see so much going on in between the lines with all three actors, it's ridiculous to try and explain it with words.
Yes, the ending may have left me wanting a bit. But the truth is, if you can't see what's going to happen after the final scene, you wouldn't get it if it was played out for you in all its details.
YOu should definitely watch the movie. Especially if you're a music- enthusiast. Especially if you like the kind of movie without high school drama. AND with good music!