This film appears to be a film about a constellation of journeys, the central one being that of a unique violin.

Rating: 10/10 (23 January 2005)

Art is the substantiation of the psyche. Speaking as a painter and poet, and not as a movie-goer, this film is exquisite. My then nineteen-year-old son--while on summer break from college-- made me watch it with him. No, he was not a theatre or other arts major, but a football -player cum chemistry major on his way to medical school. Throughout our relationship he has given me unique gifts, and this was no exception. Not a little part of that gift was sharing it with him.
This movie is the best that I have ever experienced. At various times other movies may have taught me, thrilled me, scared me, made me cry or intrigued me, but none has ever immersed me in their artistry as this one did. And still does. Not a little part of my son's gift was sharing it with him.
The plot is simple. A violin of unique character passes through multiple talented hands as forecast by a tarot reader. But the plot is merely the "stretcher" for the "canvas" which is the story. And the story is "painted" with the visuals, acting, music, etc.
The violin and the movie are metaphors for life. We are all unique and on a journey and we are all connected. This "little" gem is beautiful and momentous. To its critics: the making of work of art is not unilateral. Unless you cannot truly see or hear or feel or think, this movie is art.