10/10
Splendid
21 October 2007
The most wonderful movie I've experienced in the past year. I was enthralled by the translation of the German lyrics into vernacular English; the Italians for once did not dub it away, but just provided Italian subtitles: Bravo! I was in awe of Mr. Fry's — I believe — ability to preserve the poetry while translating the language, and making it still fit the music. This opera is my very favorite and I loved the singing. The idea of setting the opera in a 20th century war scene gave the libretto story credibility and passion, something most opera lacks, except as the music imparts. I salute Mr. Branagh's genius. As usual in such musical movies it isn't clear who actually did the signing, but whoever did, did a wonderful job; the passages by The Queen of the Night gave me the usual chills up and down my spine, and Mozart is irrepressible! I have long savored Bergman's Magic Flute, and I do think Branagh's has earned at least an equal berth.
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