Rhythm Is It!

Germany 2004, 105 minutes
Dir. Thomas Grube
In English, German with English subtitles
Rating: [M]
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Documentary / Classical Music, Dance, Youth

Aroview: The Berlin Philharmonic’s ambitious and dramatic undertaking – to school 250 children in a staging of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" – is captured in this gripping account of achievement through classical music and dance.

Captained by the charisma of maestro Simon Rattle and fellow Brit, choreographer Royston Maldoom, the film gathers an exciting tempo as their students, one by one, are inspired and transported towards performance. A tad schmaltzy, but triumphantly delivers on its promised crescendo, with ample passion and artistic spirit in reserve.

NZ International Film Festival 2004