An emotional masterpiece that follows a violin throughout history from the 1600's to the present day.

Rating: Null/10 (10 September 1998)

The Red Violin is one of the best films I've seen in recent times. I saw it this afternoon at a press screening of the Toronto International Film Festival. The story follows the history of a violin, the "red violin" as it is known in musical circles, from it's creation in Italy in the 1600's to the present day where it is being auctioned off in a collection of instruments in Montreal. The film is tied together in flash-forwards of the wife of the violin maker, who is having her fortune told with tarot cards. Except that it is not her fortune that is being told, but that of the violin. We follow the violin through numerous and varied owners and across three continents. There are also flash-backs from the present-day auction.

As a musician myself, I identify easily with the emotional attachment that musicians, especially string players, have for their instruments, and the importance of music in their lives. I recommend this film to anyone who can see beauty in life, anyone who understands the passion of the Arts, anyone who can feel emotion, because this film will touch you, deep inside your soul.