Pianoforte

The spirit of competition, in both its heart-racing fulfillment and overwhelming tolls of anticipation, is felt in the thoughtful execution of “Pianoforte.”

The film’s greatest achievement is the way it highlights the joylessness that can emerge from devoting one’s life to the pursuit of perfection.

“Pianoforte” has a distinct bittersweetness that makes it more introspective, if not quietly haunting.

While the structure of the film is not perfect, I enjoyed following the subjects of the documentary through the competition and finding out which of our protagonists passed on through the next rounds.

The film is an atonal piece in search of a musical theme, though also not without its uplifting high notes here and there.

This has only happened 18 times in 100 years... It's really very interesting.

It's really gripping -- almost too gripping for me... The pressure is just enormous.

Mixing the stories the way Piatek does ... emphasizes how much these young and very talented musicians have in common, despite their different national origins and cultures.

But it’s watching them all play so beautifully that is the highlight of Pianoforte. Director Piatek isn’t here to show anyone in their most embarrassing moment. Instead, we get to see them soar as if possessed by the spirit of music.

Pianoforte was made with love and curiosity for the young pianists who dedicate hours a day and years of their lives to mastering the compositions of Chopin and other great classical composers for the piano.