One of the best movies about classical musicians, "The Pianist" depicts the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a talented Polish Jewish pianist, as he navigates the horrors of the Holocaust and the Warsaw Ghetto. When the war escalates, Szpilman's life drastically changes as he faces persecution and loss of family. Throughout his ordeal, Szpilman's passion for music remains a lifeline, and he occasionally finds solace by playing the piano in the silent and desolate surroundings.

Through the eyes of Władysław Szpilman, the film captures the dehumanization and persecution faced by the Jewish population during the Holocaust, serving as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the war. And at the same time, it also celebrates the power of music and artistic expression as a means of preserving one's humanity and finding solace in the midst of despair: throughout "The Pianist", Szpilman's devotion to his music becomes a lifeline, allowing him to connect with his inner self and maintain a sense of identity and purpose.

Release: 2002

Stars: Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

"The Beat That My Heart Skipped," one of the best movies about classical musicians, follows the tumultuous journey of Thomas Seyr (played by Romain Duris) - a young Parisian man torn between two contrasting worlds. Thomas works as a real estate agent alongside his unscrupulous father, Robert (played by Niels Arestrup). The job involves intimidating tenants and collecting debts, highlighting the darker side of Thomas's life.

However, there is another side to Thomas. In his youth, he was a promising concert pianist with immense talent and passion for music. Despite the pressures and expectations of his domineering father, Thomas's love for the piano remained a vital part of his identity. Yet, as the years passed, his musical dreams were buried under the weight of his father's business and questionable lifestyle.

Everything changes when Thomas encounters a group of young musicians. The chance meeting reignites Thomas's dormant musical aspirations, and he becomes consumed by the desire to reclaim his passion for the piano. This pivotal encounter sets him on a path of rediscovery and transformation.

The movie's exploration of passion and the pursuit of dreams resonates with audiences on a profound level. It poses questions about the sacrifices one must make to follow their passions and the challenges of maintaining balance between personal aspirations and societal expectations. Thomas's journey in "The Beat That My Heart Skipped" is a reflection of the human desire to reconnect with our true selves and the sometimes arduous path of self-discovery.

Release: 2005

Stars: Romain Duris, Aure Atika, Emmanuelle Devos

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

"Departures" introduces us to Daigo, a cellist whose world takes an unexpected turn when his orchestra disbands, leaving him uncertain about his musical career. Finding himself at a crossroads, Daigo decides to move back to his hometown with his wife and settles into the house left to him by his late mother. Desperate for employment, he stumbles upon an unconventional job opportunity as an encoffiner - someone who prepares bodies for cremation.

In Japan, encoffining is a profession often stigmatized, and Daigo's decision is met with resistance, particularly from his wife. Initially uncomfortable and uncertain about his new vocation, Daigo slowly begins to discover a hidden passion and skill in the delicate art of preparing the deceased for their final journey. As he embraces this new path, Daigo finds a profound connection between the care he takes in encoffining and the meticulous attention that a cellist gives to their instrument.

"Depatures" beautifully contrasts the transitory nature of existence with the enduring legacy left by the connections we forge with others. Daigo's newfound profession serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, highlighting the importance of cherishing every moment and valuing the human experiences that shape us.

Release: 2008

Stars: Masahiro Motoki, Ryôko Hirosue, Tsutomu Yamazaki

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

The Red Violin is an epic tale that spans over four centuries, following the journey of a rare and mysterious violin from its creation in 1681 to the present day. The film begins with the master violin maker, Nicolo Bussotti, crafting the instrument with great care and imbuing it with a secret varnish made from his deceased wife's blood. This violin, known as the "Red Violin," is believed to possess magical qualities and a captivating, unique sound.

Throughout its long history, the Red Violin changes hands and travels across different continents, witnessing various significant moments in history and affecting the lives of its owners. From an orphanage in Austria, where a young prodigy named Kaspar Weiss discovers and perfects his musical talent with the instrument, to the court of an 18th-century composer, Frederick Pope, who falls under the violin's spell and composes a masterpiece inspired by it.

The Red Violin is not just a mere musical instrument; it becomes a symbol of passion, love, betrayal, and the interwoven destinies of the people it encounters. Its journey through time reflects the profound impact that art, music, and human emotions can have on the course of history and how an object can hold within it the stories of countless lives.

Release: 1998

Stars: Carlo Cecchi, Jean-Luc Bideau, Christoph Koncz

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

The Piano Teacher delves into the complex and disturbed inner world of its protagonist, Erika Kohut (played by Isabelle Huppert). Erika is a talented and dedicated piano teacher at a prestigious Vienna conservatory, where she is highly respected for her musical expertise. However, beneath her composed facade lies a woman tormented by deep-rooted emotional and psychological issues.

Erika's life takes a tumultuous turn when she becomes involved with one of her students, Walter Klemmer (played by Benoît Magimel). A talented and handsome young man, Walter is drawn to Erika and expresses a genuine interest in her. Unfortunately, their relationship takes a dark and twisted turn as Erika's emotional instability and repressed desires escalate.

The Piano Teacher is a deeply unsettling and psychologically complex film that delves into the intricate layers of human desire and emotional isolation. Throughout the intense plot lines and disturbed characters, it explores the destructive consequences of societal norms and the suffocating expectations imposed on individuals - especially women - in conservative environments.

Release: 2001

Stars: Isabelle Huppert, Annie Girardot, Benoît Magimel

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%