"Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and four outstanding violinists are the threads that weave this exploration of how nature shapes who we are. As spring reaches Tokyo, violinist Sayaka Shoji demonstrates to her young students the timeless lessons in the music and in their own culture. Niki Vasilakis and friends travel from all corners of Australia to the far north to share the music of summer with the Thursday Island Community. As the leaves turn, Cho-Liang (Jimmy) Lin and his neighbours reveal to us their New York City's vibrant, complex personality. Finally, in the icy reaches of Finnish Lapland, Pekka Kuusisto and his colleagues bring the warmth of music and human interaction to the small local community. A wonderfully rich documentary that sweeps you away with fascinating characters, fine music and glorious images." (Sydney Film Festival 2007)
I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
4 is a joint Australian/American production which, through the thoughts, views, and most importantly music of four extremely talented violinists, explores the varying extremes of our planet’s seasons. This visually stunning documentary is centred on the classic violin concertos of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, which act as bases for the four musician’s insights into Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The name of this piece of music may not be familiar to you, but when you hear it you will instantly recognise it. We enter Tokyo at springtime and are guided through the city’s unique spectacle of blooming cherry blossoms as the locals revel in the festival-like atmosphere. Next we journey to sun-baked Northern Australia and take in the scorching summer and monsoon season in the Torres Strait area. Autumn brings us to New York, and the fast-paced urban lifestyle is presented through the changing colours of this season. Finally we end in the snow-covered fields of Finland and experience the freezing temperatures of this harsh but beautiful region. We are guided through each season by one of the four violinists, who each lead a brief performance of their chosen season of Vivaldi’s score. The talent that they possess is incredible; they are masters of their instrument. With their dramatic performances combining with the strikingly rich visuals of the regions, the film really is a treat for the senses. Cameras beautifully capture the true essence of the seasons which go hand-in-hand with the musician’s individual takes on what that time of the year means to them in their environment. Their insights guide us through the landscape and how it has shaped the people who live there. It is both interesting, and entertaining- and is miles from being in any way commercial. This film showcases four unique areas of the world along with four exceedingly gifted people who are all bound by the same love: their world and the music in it.
I loved this film! It's so incredibly visual and bewitching, the music - and I am not a real music buff - is completely brilliant, the whole experience is an uplifting and emotional journey through this beautiful, amazing world we live in. Each section has its own focus and intensity, from the huge sea of pink blossoms that erupt in Tokyo and how vital this season is for the Japanese, right through to the far reaches of Lapland in winter, which really is a place of magic. My take is that people of all ages and interests would really get into this film if they go along and see it - perfect antidote to Hollywood blockbusters.
I went to this film by accident, it was starting at the time I wanted to see something, but its one of the best films I've seen in the last year. It made me swell up with emotion, joy mostly. Highly recommended to everyone who has a love for this planet. The Finnish guy at the end is one in a million!
A memorable flim that keeps you reflecting not only on the breath-taking scenery but on the similarities of culture the world over. A film to send you back to Vivaldi with renewed interest. Tell your friends- not only the music lovers.
Click for full review below (audio).
The music is wonderful, the locations memorable, the violinists thrilling and the idea unique: well done.
Elegantly lensed but awkwardly packed kitbag on a globetrotting journey that uses Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" as a point of departure.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 22nd May 2008.
Release date: May 22nd 2008.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
