Date Viewed: 4/3/99

Score: ++

The Review: Since I am an ardent fan of the cello, and have been collecting the recordings of the stunning Jacqueline du Pre since college, this movie was certain to appeal to me; so I am obviously biased. A dramatized biography of the talented du Pre sisters, with Emily Watson in the tragic role of the cellist Jackie, based loosely on a recently published biography by her sister Hilary (a flutist). The structure of the movie encourages you to see it twice: the separate viewpoints of the two sisters proceed first together, then from Hilary's, and finally from Jackie's perspective. Listen carefully, because there are subtle but intriguing differences between the two versions of events. Superb supporting cast and ensemble performance. One point of musical advice: play the Elgar concerto at home both before and then after seeing the movie. Excellent.

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