rev_f_vitus

VITUS
bruno ganz / teo gheorghiu

as reviewed by Jack Crompton at Amazon.com, May 29, 2008

Inspirational...

Vitus is an inspirational movie that is superb on many levels; the character development of a genius, child prodigy alone makes for a fascinating tale. But it is a love story and it is the evolvement of a very independent spirit against a world of adult controlling forces that is the fascinating component here in this film.

Filled with extraordinary piano music, romance, undying love, and the emergence of an intelligence that is far ahead of his years, Vitus grabs one's heart very early on and never lets go. Refusing to be controlled by his teachers, his mother and father or his peers, Vitus bonds with his eccentric grandfather who, being in his declining years, acts out a role as a living icon of humble wisdom and noble character for the impressionable young musical prodigy. As the story develops, we see that young Vitus is not just a musical genius, but has a mind capable of out thinking all the adults around him to create the kind of life he wants: which is to be 'normal' and not be treated special. After rebelling against those who would control him, he eventually fully embraces his talent and gives it to the world, but on his own terms.

'Vitus' is an admirable, feel-good film that says a lot about human nature and true intelligence. Highly recommended. I loved it.

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