MOZART’S SISTER – The Review

Successful film biographies often inspire ‘back-story’ sequels. Since many of these movies end at the conclusion of the subject’s life, producers will go back back and explore an earlier chapter of this remarkable individuals history. Hence, we’ve seen films like YOUNG MR. LINCOLN and YOUNG TOM EDISON. Now many years after AMADEUS, cinema explores the life of ten year old Mozart, but from a different viewpoint. As the title suggests MOZART’S SISTER is indeed this story told through the eyes of Wolfgang’s older sister (by five years). The movie is a fresh look at the formative years of this musical genius, but it also tells the story of an older sibling possessed of incredible talent who had no chance to shine in her brother’s long shadow.

Like many musician stories we first encounter the artists between ‘gigs’ and on the road. The Mozart family (father, mother, sister, and the star son) huddle for warmth in a coach bumping along down a desolate forest trail. Life is hard as they trek from one royal court to the next. Some of them keep the family waiting for days and weeks before the royal performance. Often, the family is not paid for their concerts. Pappa Mozart is a strict taskmaster who insists on many hours of practice everyday. He also makes sure that each child knows their place-sister must not play the violin as it is unladylike. The coach breaks down and the family seeks shelter in a nearby abbey. There they meet the four young daughters of French royal family (the king prefers them to stay hidden there and not reside at the palace). Maria befriends them and grows close to the youngest princess, Louise. She asks Maria to deliver a love letter to the son of a music master when the Mozart family reaches Paris. When they arrive at the palace, they learn that the kingdom is in mourning. The wife of the Dauphin (the Prince) has died in childbirth. In order to deliver the note, Maria must dress as a boy. The young music master is tutoring the Dauphin, who does not wish to associate with any females. Maria, in male drag, begins a friendship with the Dauphin. Will she reveal her true identity to him? How will this effect the family and impact the career of young Mozart?

MOZART’S SISTER is quite a treat for the ears and eyes. The music produced by the two young artists is very impressive. Kudos to the actors for handling the instruments convincingly. The costuming of that period is beautifully reproduced. All the settings from the palace interiors to the quiet abbey, classrooms, and apartments help send us to that 1700’s time period. Marc Barbe as the elder Mozart, Leopold, conveys the ambition and drive that compelled them to travel Europe. Delphine Chuillot gives Mama Mozart, Anna-Maria, a quiet dignity as she tries to accommodate her husband’s dreams while trying to provide a stable family atmosphere. Clovis Fouin as the Dauphin alternates between sadness and romantic interest while also being very mysterious. The young actors really shine in this film. David Moreau as little Wolfgang has the playful spirit of a young boy who doesn’t realize how the family’s future rests on his small shoulders. Lisa Feret is quite remarkable as a young princess who seems so wise for her age. Of course the movie sinks or swims on the performance of Marie Feret as (Nannerl) Maria Mozart. You can see her frustration in her eyes as she must take a back seat to the boy genius. Her father dismisses her work and ignores her creations. Her trepidation at dressing as a boy as in YENTYL is soon replaced by her attraction to the troubled prince.She makes us hope that she will triumph over a world that wants to put her in her place and toss her aside. MOZART”S SISTER has all the trappings of a big movie costume epic, but it succeeds in telling a quiet personal story of a young woman who just wanted a chance to share her musical gifts.

Overall Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars