Watch The Violin

The Violin is a touching drama film that tells the story of a struggling violinist who discovers that his unborn child is at risk of inheriting a genetic disorder that would prevent him from playing music. Directed by Francisco Vargas, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006 and went on to win numerous awards at international film festivals.

The film follows the life of Don Plutarco, a humble farmer and elderly violinist who lives with his son and grandson in a remote village in Mexico. Despite his age and his limited resources, Don Plutarco is a talented musician who plays traditional folk music on his prized violin with great passion and skill. His music is a source of comfort and joy for his family and friends, and it brings a sense of tradition and heritage to the village.

However, Don Plutarco's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers that his grandson has been diagnosed with a potentially fatal genetic disorder that would prevent him from ever playing the violin. Devastated by this news, Don Plutarco sets out on a dangerous journey to sell his violin in order to pay for medical treatment for his grandson. Along the way, he encounters an army captain who confiscates his violin and arrests him for wandering into a restricted military zone.

In captivity, Don Plutarco befriends a young soldier and offers to teach him how to play the violin. The soldier, fascinated by the old man's talent and dedication, helps him retrieve his violin from the army captain's office and accompanies him on his journey back home. Together, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including betrayal, violence, and political oppression. However, Don Plutarco's commitment to his music and his family perseveres, and he emerges as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and cultural identity.

The performances in The Violin are powerful and moving, with Raviv Ullman delivering a deeply sensitive portrayal of Don Plutarco's grandson, who struggles to come to terms with his illness and his family's sacrifices. Sarah Drew shines as Don Plutarco's daughter-in-law, who must navigate the complex emotions of a woman caught between her loyalty to her husband and her sympathy for her father-in-law. Melora Hardin's portrayal of the army captain is equally impressive, embodying the arrogance and brutality of a man who has lost his humanity in the service of his country.

The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the rugged beauty of the Mexican landscape and the rich textures of traditional folk music. The music, composed by Angel Anaya, is hauntingly beautiful and evokes a sense of both joy and sorrow that deeply reflects the film's themes of tradition, family, and sacrifice.

In summary, The Violin is a poignant and moving drama that offers a powerful meditation on the meaning of music, family, and culture. Driven by strong performances, exquisite cinematography, and a stirring score, it is a film that will leave a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits have rolled.

The Violin is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.