Since I am a fan of Beethoven's I so wanted to see this movie. It was very well done, but I do not think all things were factual. For instance, the movie told that Beethoven had a son by his brother's wife. This has never, never been proven. This lad was Beethoven's nephew, not his son. It is interesting in later years that tests done on Beethoven's body strongly suggest that the deafness and eccentries were due to lead poisoning. He apparently drank lots of cheap wines, which were laden with lead, unknowingly of course. This movie is so well done. A purist though, would take objection to some of the undocumented things portrayed. Of interest also, is that the tune "Immortal Beloved" is used as a Hymn in many churches, denoting that Christ Jesus is the true 'Immortal Beloved' !!!
I bought this product because I am studying Beethoven in a college course and my Professor recommended it. The story line was intriguing. Many of the historical facts were accurate; however, there was just enough artistic freedom to make one ask the question, "Could it really have happened that way?" The story was beautifully delivered by an all-star cast. Gary Oldman - excellent actor who leads an amazing cast. And, of course, the music - mind blowing. I would love to let my 15 year old daughter watch it, but there are some pretty steamy love scenes. As a musician, I'm sure the story would interest her. It is far more interesting than other movies about Beethoven's life and music.
***MINIMAL SPOILERS*** When the late, great Composer Deluxe Ludwig Van Beethoven( Gary Oldman) passed away that day in 1827, his friend Anton Schindler( Jeroen Krabbé) found the Last Will from Beethoven. That Will is requesting that all his money and goods be left to one person, but that beneficiary is only referred to as the "Immortal Beloved". Anton is now on the search for this beneficiary to execute Beethoven's Last Will, despite the Brother's protests. Anton narrows the search down to three viable possibilities of the known relationships Beethoven had in his past, and decent detective work( for early 19th Century standards) is above average. The movie has many flashbacks that shows Beethoven's life in parts, and is effective given the story. As Beethoven, Gary Oldman gives an admirable rendition of the part, and even looks like Beethoven as we have come to recognize drawings and paintings of Beethoven. The Set Designs were done mostly in Prague, the Chech Republic,and the Cinematography capturing the flavor of the late 1780's to Beethoven's death is breathtaking. The music, all but one song was composed by Beethoven. How this movie got overlooked is beyond me. Gary Oldman deserved Best Actor Oscar. Jeroen Krabbé should have won Best Supporting Male Actor, who almost steals this show.Read full review
Fantastic movie about Beethoven! Gary Oldman was a great Beethoven, he really brought the character to life in this intriguing mystery of who is Immortal Beloved was. Couldn't stop watching to see what happened next. The acting was superb by all!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A serious look at Beethoven's childhood and adulthood, this film tells the story. The greatest scene in the movie was in portraying his ninth Symphony, the "Ode to Joy." Touching flashback to his early life as an abused child but wonderous prodigy. Very touching ode to one of the world's greatest musical geniuses.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Whether or not the movie is fact or fiction, the music and scenery are worth it. Having seen it when first released at the movies I was happy with the dvd I purchased and glad it is in my library for future viewing. The opening Funeral Procession was gripping and intense. Beethoven will always be Immortally Beloved.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Gary Oldman is at his best in this movie about the life of Beethoven. The soundtrack is made up of mostly Beethoven's work. What could be better than that?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The music and the time period take center stage, but the cast for this film is totally convincing, totally empathetic.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
VHS is in excellent condition, and was promptly delivered. In Immortal Beloved, I transport myself to an era where love was intense, and totally committed to ones "other self", as Beetovan describes it! This movie is intense and pregnant with emotion! I have watched over and over again ... I love it's content! Thanks: Irene
Shipped lightning fast played fine. However it was a poor choice of movie for me. This is just my opinion but I found it very slow and boring. I couldn't wait for the end! It couldn't hold my attention.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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