The stars of this film spent months learning how to play piano and mimic the finger movements of piano prodigies. That is one reason it feels authentic. Its two stars, Richard Dreyfuss and Amy Irving, do a good job of balancing the drama of a prestigious piano competition with the joys of young love.
Lee Remick is wonderful as the protective mentor of Irving. And Sam Wanamaker is convincing as the Bernstein-like conductor who oversees the competition and rules his own little musical kingdom.
The story has to do with whether or not the two young pianists can compete in the cut-throat world of career-making competitions and still maintain a relationship. The script never becomes too mawkish. And the musical excerpts are a bonus.
Lee Remick is wonderful as the protective mentor of Irving. And Sam Wanamaker is convincing as the Bernstein-like conductor who oversees the competition and rules his own little musical kingdom.
The story has to do with whether or not the two young pianists can compete in the cut-throat world of career-making competitions and still maintain a relationship. The script never becomes too mawkish. And the musical excerpts are a bonus.