Beethoven Lives Upstairs (1992)
When his mother rents their vacant room to a peculiar composer, Christoph can't believe his bad luck. But as the abrasive boarder, Ludwig Van Beethoven, begins creating his masterful 9th Symphony, Christoph is won over by the majesty of his music. This lighthearted family drama was awarded the 1993 Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program.
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You won't be disappointed!
Excellent, Without a doubt!!
Excellent but underrated film
It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.
This is kind of one of those kids' after-school TV movies they used to have on television before Ophra and her ilk took over on late afternoon. It's only 50 minutes long which doesn't give it much chance for us to get the know anyone's character in any depth.The kid, Illya Woloshyn, reminds me a little of Max Pomeranc of "Searching for Bobby Fischer." The story is so-so, certainly no 'Fischer'."I found too much yelling (raving, actually) by Beethoven and too slow a story, even for 50 minutes. The main attributes are the some pretty scenery and some of Beethoven's music, which is beautiful and dramatic.Overall, not very memorable.
I first saw this movie 12 years ago, as a first grade student. I didn't think much about it - it was a really neat movie, and I was jealous that Christoph got to meet someone who I'd always heard adults refer to with reverence and admiration. I don't think I really realized how much I'd enjoyed it until we were given the opportunity to buy the film. I didn't have enough saved to buy the VHS, but I could afford the cassette soundtrack. When it arrived I was so excited. I took it home and spent hours listening to the story over and over, until I could practically recite it word for word. As I grew up, I would occasionally stumble across it and listen to the story again with a smile. Now, as a freshman in college, I'm taking a course on Beethoven's Symphonies. I credit my interest to seeing this movie as a child. It's a fantastic film for children. Is it on the same level as Amadeus? No, but it's still very much worth watching, and is a great way to introduce the great classical composers to young minds.
There is none of the sentimental and heroic garbage in this movie that one sees portrayed in the lives of other great men.This movie, while recognizing Beethoven's Genius, takes him off his Mount Olympus Pedestal and makes him a real life breathing, seeing and hearing though going deaf man who runs a business, works every day, bathes, shaves and does all the things that ordinary men do. Munroe is very convincing in his portrayal as well as his appearance. I do not know what he looks like in real life but if he looks anything like Beethoven in real life I would think that I had met Beethoven's Ghost. While the viewing audience for this film is aimed for children--it is also a good film for adults to see.
I think ho0vdawg was too hard on this movie. It certainly was never intended to be on par with Amadeus or suitable for the same audience. That it was made for children younger than high school age is quite obvious, and one should take that into consideration when watching and evaluating it. I would recommend this movie to any interested child.