Organnall
Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,
Derry Herrera
Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.
Roman Sampson
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Celia
A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
jmkaganmd
Here is a film that when you leave with friends you can actually sit down and have a conversation about it.The passion of the people in this exciting competition and the story each tells through the film offer many emotions. The music is wonderful.As the competition unfolds you find yourself involved and perhaps even wondering or rooting for one of these truly talented people who in their "spare time" just happen to have a passion for playing the piano. The director allows each of the stories to unfold without bias.Go see and listen -- you'll have a good time.
mrneagu-1
"They came to play" is as uplifting as it is inspiring, as funny as it is touching. The movie establishes a personal and intimate relationship with its characters unique personalities indeed. Its flawless change of perspective from the main characters, everyday individuals with real-life problems, and a passion to play the piano at the highest level, to their families, and the awed audience of the Van Cliburn Classical piano competition for Amateurs creates a perfect pace for this documentary and involves the movie audience in this incredible experience of fulfilling dreams in spite of life's many obstacles. For music lovers, the performances and musical choices are an exquisite treat. Without giving away the stories that this movie tells so piercingly, the choice of characters and participants is beautifully varied, and any viewers may find a little bit of themselves in these incredible individuals. Doubtlessly, this movie is an inspiration for those afflicted with a life-long love for music, regardless of where life has taken them. Beyond filling musical hearts with joy, however, this labor of love is so caringly crafted that it also warms the souls of non-musicians. The message is clear, whatever your background, whatever your interest, live your dream. Enrich your life at home, in your family, at work, and the lives of those around you, by tenaciously pursuing that passion that is uniquely you; like a true lover would.
tomgallaher2006
I loved this movie, a documentary of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition for Amateurs. This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's a perfect combination of interesting men and women from around the world and some of the best music the world has ever known. That these great pianists are "ordinary" people only adds to the delight of the movie. And without trying to be funny, the movie is surprisingly funny.The stories of the players are fascinating: some were funny, some were poignant, one was downright sad. Each of the featured contestants gets just the right amount of time on camera. And as the movie progresses, you see and hear more of their wonderful talent. By the end of the movie, I found myself hoping so much that one especially intriguing contestant would win. If you like classical music, you'll love this movie. If you don't like classical music, you'll still love this movie.
beth-krugler
I tend to judge a film on two criteria: 1) do I care about the characters? and 2) what kind of "stickability" does the film have with me--do I remember it tomorrow? next week? next month? First, regarding this film's "characters", this is a documentary, so all of these people are real people--and I might add real characters. As Ann Landers used to say "truth is stranger"; you simply could not script this stuff any better.To explain, the competition at the heart of this documentary is international in scope and limited to the serious amateur who is at least 35 years old. What this translates into is a competition among people who despite their tremendous love of music, as well as their apparent mastery of the piano, know they will never "make it" professionally--i.e. no one's leaving their day job anytime too soon. This is key: this movie is all about people willing to put themselves out there to passionately pursue a dream all the while knowing that even if the dream is achieved, their daily lives will go on pretty much the same as before.The movie chronicles the journey these passionate, talented people are willing to take leading them to Fort Worth, Texas for this rather intense five day competition. At the beginning, the film introduces you to a handful of the competitors in their homes as they prepare for the competition. Later, you get to see many of these same people as they leave the stage in their physically exhausted, emotionally open and raw state. You hear their stories; you get to know them. And ultimately, you pick your personal favorites. Then, you get to watch them fight it out as they each pursue the prize of a first place finish. In short, I loved these "characters", but what's more is that I admired them deeply. My sense is that it is people like these competitors who are showing us all how to live. How to pull out all the stops and really go for it.In terms of the movie's "stickability", I saw the movie three months ago and as you can see if you've read this far, it is still very much with me.If you are a fan of the documentary, this movie is a must see; it spins a yarn as tightly as did "Spellbound" or "WordPlay". If you are a fan of classical music, this movie is a must see; the music throughout is beautifully performed. If on the other hand, you are just okay with documentaries and don't really care for classical music--please see it anyway. Assuming you are an alive breathing human being--you will go away glad you did if for no other reason than the entertainment value. But beyond that, seeing it may leave you open to living life just a little more fully--something you don't typically get from a night at the movies.