Tuesday, July 6, 2010

What I watched this weekend: The Legend of 1900

I was born on this ship and the whole world passed me by . . .

two thousand people at a time.

The Legend of 1900 is a cinematic feast, rich in old-world elegance, and begins in the year 1900, when an abandoned baby boy is found by an engine worker on a luxury liner. The child grows up on the ship, and develops a natural ability for playing the piano, becoming something of a virtuoso in his early twenties and attracting recognition from the outside world. It is a masterpiece by acclaimed director Giuseppe Tornatore and is available for instant viewing if you have a Netflix account.

The ship travels back and forth between Italy and New York, bringing thousands of new faces into the country and Tornatore explores the immigrant experience aboard the liner. On the upper decks, luxury reigns and young 1900 can be found every evening in the ball room, playing with the house band.

One of my favorite scenes is when the title character, played by Tim Roth (from the television series Lie to Me), has been asked to make a recording so that others around the world can listen to music ‘that’s never been heard before’. Because he refuses to set foot off ship, the recording must come to him. Listen to the beauty of the piano in this scene, where a young woman appears, played by the lovely Melanie Thierry.

I can’t recommend this movie more. It’s an engaging story with interesting and unique characters and the music will leave you swooning.

Here’s the trailer as well.

Hope you enjoy.

Love,

16 comments:

Jill of All Trades said...

I saw this and immediately went to my netflix account and added it to my queque. Thank you for the recommendation.

lissa said...

that is one of my all-time favorite film - it's so wonderful especially the music but I do like theme of a lonely existence and it's done so well

Unknown said...

Magnificent...I am off to join netflix now...
thanks for the heads up.

Anonymous said...

I loved the music... it was mesmerizing and beautiful. I'm not sure I would sit through the entire movie though. Perhaps on a rainy afternoon it would hold my interest. I'll keep it in mind.

Di

Sharmon Davidson said...

I can't wait to see this one; off I go Netflix! Btw, it took me a while, but I finally realized Tim Roth is the guy who played Archie in Rob Roy. I kept looking at him, thinking, "this guy is evil, somehow...", then it hit me.

Teri said...

Looks interesting. I enjoy Tim Roth (just got up from watching Lie To Me).

Low Tide High Style said...

Thank you for the recommendation! I look forward to seeing this and hearing all of the wonderful music! We sold our piano with our last house and I dearly miss playing! I watched Coco Before Chanel this weekend with our daughter and highly recommend it too!

Kat :)

Gail said...

Sounds like wonderful icing on your holiday cake.

WarPony said...

I love Tim Roth. I will have to track this one down.

The JR said...

I keep forgetting to check on netflix. Thanks for reminding me.

It does look interesting.

Anonymous said...

A great recommendation, thank you.

I was looking at your previous post (have been away from blogging for a week) and I absolutely love the pictures you have posted. That dessert looks seriously tempting!

CJ xx

Daryl said...

I love that your reference for Tim Roth was Lie to Me vs Pulp Fiction (which for me was his stand out role).

Mental P Mama said...

I have never heard of this one! Going to make the kiddos order it for me;)

Maria said...

Music by Ennio Morricone? I am THERE. How on earth did you find this one?

Jo said...

I have seen this movie, and it is wonderful...!

Lori said...

Obviously, I'm very behind on reading blogs this summer but am so glad I happened onto this one. Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds really great! I love piano music ... I actually teach piano. Today is my birthday and I plan to treat myself to watching this movie!