One flaw: overly dramatic

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2015)

I had high hopes for this one, but they were not fully met. Aside from the great acting, I found the movie overly dramatic. I completely understand the general idea of drama and intensity that drives this movie, and I find it true and applicable to various aspects of life. I also agree with the concept of being ultra- demanding with students if the goal is to form a master musician, one who "would never be discouraged". But still, saying this movie is "overly dramatic" would be an understatement.
It's dramatic to a point that it's often annoying and occasionally beyond what is believable. The teacher himself was great but went too many times over the top. The director should have managed better these "peaks": with less over-the-top-peaks the movie would have had a smoother, more believable narration, and those very peaks would have had even more impact.
I also don't like the idea of "success" continuously pictured here: it's like having success in life is only about how famous and established in your work you are. What a load of effin bullshit. I still give this film a very good rating of 7,5/10 because of acting and some cinematography, good twists towards the ending, and for the core of the story too. AND the great final drum solo. But I was hoping for more. Or maybe it's correct to say I was hoping for less.