"The Concert"

OK, so this film is flawed. Concept: underdog (currently a janitor) attempts to recapture his past (30 years ago) glory as Conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra., by usurping an invitation for the current orchestra to play in Paris. Conductor is played by Alexei Gutov, with the radiant Melanie Laurent (remember her in "Inglorious Basterds?" ) as the young violinist. Francois Berleand playing one of the musicians and close friend and ally of the Conductor helps him round up members of the old Orchestra for the Paris gig. He almost outshines the excellent Gutov. If you're a music lover, you will forgive its flaws (stereotypes - overdone for comedic effect) for the sheer joy of listening to the exquisite music. Highlighted is Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major.. History lesson: Breznev, and Russian anti-semitism sets the stage for this passionate story. The audience with whom I saw it applauded the Concerto, and so did I. Three Stars. SP