SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Contentar Best movie of this year hands down!

filippaberry84 I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Nicolas Vining A must see for all fans of Brendel and anyone interested in what sets great classical musicians apart form us mere mortals. Mark Kidel's camera follows the relationship between Kit Armstrong, new-comer to the classical music scene and the recently retired Alfred Brendel. Brendel admits early on that he is not drawn to teaching youngsters, but something in Armstrong's playing has attracted him. What is fascinating is that here we have two sharply contrasting musical minds, one steeped in liberal values linked to great literature and art, the other analytical and mathematical. And yet a bond develops. This growing relationship is beautifully captured in a series of encounters between the two musicians. We are privileged to observe all the hard work and hours of practise and refinement which result in a consummate public performance which seems to be produced with such ease. There are some good illustrations of Armstrong's developing ability to relate with other musicians (notably cellist Adrian Brendel) both as a chamber musician and composer. But the most compelling moments are those occasions where Brendel works at the keyboard with Armstrong, teasing out the ideas and intentions of the great classical composers. The sense of great wisdom being passed down from one generation to the next is almost palpable. This restrained and understated documentary also captures some delightful moments of humanity, affection and humour between the two protagonists.