Amadeus (Special Edition) > Reviews > Amadeus, Quite Frankly Amazing.

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Great Casting, Costumes, Score, Scenery, Acting, Plot, Dialogue
Disadvantages:	May be a little too long for some, definitely not an action film

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Based on the play of the same name, this film charts the rise and fall of the great composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told through the eyes of Antonio Salieri, the VIennese court composer of the time. Salieri grows up worshipping Mozart, and admiring his works above all else, but finally meets the man, and finds that he isn't exactly what he seems...

From start to finish, we are greeted with new recordings of Mozarts most powerful works, to accompany some superb set design and stunning period costume. The streets of Vienna are recreated in vivid detail (the film was actually shot in Prague, which at the time had far less of a modern touch), giving you an amazing feeling of actually being there.

The acting is top notch, the way that you sympathise with each character (I'm trying hard not to give too much away), and have your sympathies played upon, until you have them turned around and thrown back at you, is spectacular.

I wouldn't say this is for everyone. Amadeus is clearly from the old school of cinema, you get a lot of minutes for your money, and most of this time is spent showing you how the characters think and feel, so no explosions and car chases here folks!

It's quite clear why this film was awarded so many Oscars, and I heartily recommend you get yourself a copy, available at quite a reasonable price nowadays. If you're the kind of person that loves a film that digs into somebody's psyche, and really makes you feel part of it, a thinking mans piece, with plenty of time for character development, you'll love this.