The Red Violin Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

Francois Girard directed this drama tracing the history of a musical instrument through five countries and three centuries. In 1681, to keep the spirit of his wife alive, an Italian paints the violin with a red varnish made from her blood. It is later found in the Austrian Alps when a prodigy gives a performance in the court of Vienna in 1792. Taken by gypsies, the instrument is acquired by a Dionysian composer. After a journey by boat to China in 1966, it is hidden during the Cultural Revolution. In contemporary Canada, it is spotted at an auction house by a violin expert (Samuel L. Jackson) who becomes obsessed with it. Scripted by Girard and Don McKellar. Filmed on a $10 million budget in Montreal, China, Italy, Austria, and Oxford. - Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Starring:
Samuel L. Jackson, Don McKellar, Carlo Cecchi, Irene Grazioli, Jean-Luc Bideau
Theatrical Release Date:
06/18/1999
DVD Release Date:
12/14/1999
Rating:
R
MPAA Reasons:
for some sexuality.
Run Time:
150 min.
Distributor(s):
Lions Gate Films
Production Co.:
Channel 4, Mikado Film, New Line Cinema, Rhombus Media, Sidecar Films & TV, Telefilm Canada
Director(s):
François Girard
Genre(s):
Drama, Foreign
Themes:
Orphans, Romantic Betrayal, Totalitarian States, Obsessive Quests, Brief Encounters, Out For Revenge
Tone:
Lavish, Atmospheric, Melancholy, Passionate, Cerebral, Lyrical, Stylized
Keywords:
composer, craftsmanship, cultural-revolution, gypsy, journey, monk, music, musical-instrument, obsession, orphan, time, writer
Country of Origin:
USA (06-11-1999)
Language:
French,English
Status:
DVD

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