good

Rating: 10/10 (25 January 2000)

Recently saw this movie at a 'premiere' in Minneapolis,am not a Woody Allen fan and was surprised . I like Django Reinhardt's music and the idea that his music would be used as the basis for a film was good. Sean Penn WAS Emmett Ray! I have not been a real Sean Penn fan but will look at some of his earlier films in a different light,provided he has done something worth while,time to hit the IMBd files. Woody's attention to detail was right on the money. You are in the 1930's. The mood,tone was suttle. My only gripe was with the rail yard.In the thirty's diesel locomotives were rare as were steel boxcars. The portrayal of the Black characters was believable as was the jam session. I found myself laughing a lot. Uma Thurman was a delight.I find that when Uma has good material she shines.This is a good movie. I don't like to dissect a film , just like to be entertained. This is it. A lot of people may not like the music as this music is French swing from The Quintet of the Hot Club of France. The personnel was Django on guitar,Stephane Grappelly,violin,Joseph Reinhardt,guitar,Django's brother,Roger Chaput,guitar,Louis Vola,bass.As noted no brass,drums,pianos,or woodwinds. At one time Django played with the Duke Ellington orchestra. So go and enjoy a good movie with some sweet music.