The Legend of 1900 (1998)

People are voting emotionally.

A lot of fun.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

"I'll never watch another movie again!" cried my sweet-hearted wife as she wept uncontrollably as the final scene ended. Touched, I wept with her, but made no such vow. She may not keep the vow either, but I can see why she said what she did. This was my second viewing, her first. This time, though, I was deeply touched by everything in the film. 12 years ago, when I first saw it, it was fun, interesting, and for me a real salvation for an actor--Tim Roth--who normally plays the bad guy. Today I can easily say that of the thousands of films I have seen, this one out-ranks all of them--definitely is #1 in my book. I honestly can think of no other great film that is as good. Mary Poppins comes to mind, but still doesn't make the grade like this one. Oh, and we love, love, love Jazz. There's Ragtime here, and Dixieland, and Roaring 20s Jazz, and other Jazz styles--and even quite a bit of Classical. Roger Waters even steps in for one of his classic solos written for this film--and I'm a big Pink Floyd fan because of, you guessed it, their Jazz influence. I've gushed enough, I guess, but see this one, then get a copy for yourself, and watch it once a year--to remind yourself that the inner world, the inner kingdom, is far and away better than anything that world out there has to offer. Anything.

An enchanting film which follows the extraordinary beautiful life of a talented musician, filmed with some wonderfully delightful shots, and backed by a stunning score, this is a fantastically delightful film. A story that knows how to stay completely true to itself and will leave you thoroughly invested, and paced as well as a fine piece of music it so eloquently models itself after.Tim Roth is amazing in this film, with a very good performance. Everyone else is quite good but he is the clear star here. This movie also had a number of memorable scenes, some of which will most definitely be remembered by me for a long time.

I've heard this movie for a long time, but just watched it recently. An old movie, with all the classics, slow pace and deep perception about life, or something even bigger. The movie begins with a good story. What bothers me a bit is what the Italian farmer said about the voice of the sea. For me, it is a bit pretentious. And later, his daughter mentioned again about chasing the voice of the sea. The scream. What is said is a secret. For me, this is too much! But I loved the music inspired by this girl. What really enthralled me in meaning is his argument about finite and infinite. He can only create infinite music through finite piano keys.This philosophical part I can always relate with. But the music that I enjoyed the most is one that played by the Jazz king, the second one, and the one inspired by that girl. What moved me is the end, when he said to him I'm sorry my friend, but I'm not leaving the ship. I started to cry even for the longitude (I watched the Italian version, 160 + m) So I jumped several details. But I was still moved to tears. I think it's the perfect act of Tim Roth. His eyes, his innocence was perfected illustrated through his empty gaze. I could not stop crying hearing he joking about his conversation in heaven. How can I play piano with two right arms?

1900. Danny Boodmann, a stoker on an American passenger liner, Virginian, finds a baby abandoned on the ship. He names the child Danny Boodmann T.D. Lemon Nineteen Hundred '1900' and raises the child as his own until his death in an accident on the ship. The child never leaves the ship and turns out to be a musical genius, especially when it comes to playing the piano. As an adult he befriends a trumpet player in the ship's band, Max Tooney. After several years on the ship Max leaves, and tells the story of 1900 to the owner of a music store.Interesting concept, not well used. The idea of a man who has never set foot on land, whose whole world is one ship and cannot relate to the world outside was a very original and promising one. However, the story really doesn't explore any of these themes well. The story is quite superficial, full of empty, devoid of context sentimentality and contrived, implausible situations. It's a simple linear storyline with faux-sentimental, style-over-substance scenes dropped in.Even the tone is wrong. The movie is often cartoonish in its sub- plots and characters. What was needed was gravitas, not cheap thrills.The conclusion does provide some insights into 1900's motivations and outlook on life but still isn't that profound.This all said, the storyline was reasonably interesting and there is some good tension towards the end.Solid work by Tim Roth in the lead role. Pruitt Taylor Vince is a touch unconvincing and irritating as Max Tooney. The lack of gravitas is almost entirely his, or at least his character's, doing. Supporting cast are fine.Ultimately, a reasonably interesting plot but nothing more than that.