The movie has some of the most impressive cinematography (Elemr Raglyi, JACOB THE LIAR) of the year. From a rich Technicolor look that mimics movies of the period to intriguing black-and-white flashback sequences, it is hard to pick out a visual favorite. The set designers (Alex Tavoularis and Stephanie Ziemer) and the costumers (Beatrix Aruna Pasztor and Vanessa Vogel) work hard to get the look authentic without overwhelming us with kitsch. The 60s, in particularly, is a hard era to recreate without producing parody.
There's a lot more in this rich narrative that I haven't mentioned from the maternal grandmother's plight in prison to the mother-daughter conflict of a rebellious teen and an overprotective mother, who is dead set on never losing her daughter again. Is there anything I would change? Not much. I'd lose the boy on the bike with the big American flag, which was a little too clichd even if it did provide a nice two-second visual. If you leave happily teary eyed, don't be surprised. But don't worry, you'll won't feel manipulated.
AN AMERICAN RHAPSODY runs a nearly perfect length at 1:43. It is rated PG-13 for "some violent content and thematic material," and would be acceptable for any kid old enough to be interested in such serious stories.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, August 24, 2001. In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the Camera Cinemas.
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