Vitus (DVD, 2007)

As a student majoring in German, this movie was very interesting just because I listened to the original version, spoken in Swiss-German. For those who don't understand it, there are subtitles as well as an English dub.

As for the content of the movie, Vitus is the story of a musical prodigy, a young boy with immense talent. This fascinating look into the life of a very unique child is filled with tears and laughter. Vitus' parents, especially his mother, push him to pursue a musical career at a young age, and cannot see that Vitus is unhappy being treated as a piano-player before he is treated as a boy. Ostracized by other children who cannot relate to him, Vitus finds friendship in the form of his paternal grandfather, who recognizes that Vitus has the same feelings and dreams as any other child. After a fall, Vitus hits his head and seemingly loses his amazing ability. He begins to attend regular school and make friends. However, Vitus' mother constantly prods him to remember how to play the piano, and Vitus becomes even more remote at home. Vitus and his family learn to overcome their obstacles after a family tragedy, and Vitus returns to music, as he was meant to.

Newcomer Teo Gheorghiu plays Vitus with great enthusiasm, portraying a boy with the mind of a man. He won the Undine Award for Best Debut, Male - Film (Bester Filmdebütant). But my favorite character, played by the great Bruno Ganz, was Vitus' grandfather, always ready with a joke and a smile when Vitus was upset.

This movie was nothing short of fantastic, winning the Swiss Film Prize for Best Film (Bester Spielfilm), as well as being nominated for Best Screenplay (Bestes Drehbuch). Whether you choose to watch this with your family, your friends, or by yourself, you will enjoy this film.

If you can get into subtitles, this movie will hold your attention. Its full of surprises and has a good continuity tokeep the flow going.

Troy is the best! I enjoyed the movie so much that I wanted to buy six copies of "Vitus" to give as Christmas presents. He only had four, but he went out of his way to find two more to make my order complete. Thank you, Troy. You're a doll!
Lisa McCormack

What a wonderful gem of a movie! I don't know how I missed it in theatrical releases but definitely an inspiring keeper!

Heard about this movie from another family. This is a truly wonderful family movie, and if you like music, a double winner. Fun for kids with clever adventure, and fun for all ages, and if you speak Schweizerdeutsch, or have Swiss family, a trip down memory lane.

Just a wonderful movie, the music and the story. It's fascinating development of a child, very interesting indeed. I highly recommend this movie.