Yes, but -- ! Spoiler warning!!

Rating: 9/10 (29 April 2000)

SPOILER WARNING AHEAD! GO BACK! SKIP TO THE NEXT COMMENT!
With all the glowing comments about this film and its visual and musical beauty, it stands out that no one sees anything wrong with the Samuel L. Jackson character stealing the violin. The message is that it's OK to take what you want as long as you *really* want it.
And while you're at it, call home and make it clear that your little girl will get a nice piece of stolen property as a gift.
The fact that the "expert" is a black man only confirms another stereotype.

Too bad Jackson's character couldn't have reaffirmed his sense of honor by admiring the instrument, and while lamenting the fact that someone else was going to get it, at least being satisfied that he had become a part of the violin's story.
I was as hypnotized by this movie as everyone else -- until the end. I was going to purchase the soundtrack, now I won't bother.
I guess considering the times we live in and how values and decency have gone down the tubes in favor of selfishness and greed, I shouldn't be surprized that nobody seemed to notice this. Show's to go ya, I guess.