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List Price: $14.94 | | Label: Sony Pictures
Salesrank: 4078
Released: October 5, 1999 |
| Our Price: $7.99 |
| Used Price: $5.95 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted) Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
An enigmatic reference to his \immortal beloved" found in a letter upon the death of Beethoven begins the search for the identity of this mystery woman.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: R
Release Date: 13-FEB-2007
Media Type: DVD"""
Description of Immortal Beloved:
This sumptuous and moving 1994 film written and directed by Bernard Rose (Candyman) investigates the artistic and romantic passions of one of the greatest composers of all time. Featuring a superb performance by Gary Oldman (Sid and Nancy) as Ludwig van Beethoven, Immortal Beloved is full of uncommonly vivid, rich imagery as it charts the tumultuous life of the deaf child prodigy and his rise to the height of musical achievement. Along the way, he attempts to play mentor to his nephew, attend to his many passionate romances--the most stable one was with a countess (Isabella Rossellini)--and fight bouts of depression and madness that ruled his life and his art. The film is framed around a "Rosebud"-type letter found after the composer's death that makes up the crux of the story. Jeroen Krabbé (The Fugitive), playing Beethoven's lifelong friend, attempts to discover who Beethoven's muse really was, becoming as driven as his friend in discovering the unlikely identity of the composer's "immortal beloved." Through this we gain an insight into the nature of obsession, romance, and the heights and sacrifices of artistic achievement. The film exhibits some extraordinary sound design, and the finale features a magical encapsulation of Beethoven's life and loves set to his "Ode to Joy." As an exciting and passionate journey, Immortal Beloved is its own masterpiece. --Robert Lane
Immortal Beloved Reviews:
Did you know...? 
2009-12-21 - Nowhere in the many reviews of this film have I read that,in fact, Johanna Reiss van Beethoven became pregnant again in 1820 by one Johann Hofbauer.The funny and truly odd thing is that she named the female child Ludovica(the feminine form of the name Ludwig)!Does this strike anyone else as being just a little bit strange considering the hell that Maestro Beethoven put her through with young Karl? That being said, I did enjoy this film very much even though it does take many liberties with the truth. Beethovan did NOT go deaf all at once. It happened over a period of about 20 years. Also, no mention is made of Antonie Brentano or some of the other possible candidates who might be the Immortal Beloved. One thing that this film did do for me was to rekindle the love for Beethoven that I had experienced as a child after "borrowing" my fathers' recording of Rudolf Serkin playing Moonlight Sonata(sorry but no other pianist will do). So, even if there were no other reason for me liking this film(and there is-I love Gary Oldman. I think he is one of the best actors of this or any other generation),I would still be eternally grateful to Bernard Rose and company.
Good Movie 
2009-12-21 - I saw this movie when I was 17 years old. This movie is a mystery as to who is the love of Ludwig's life and it's a former student of Ludwig who is set to the task of solving the mystery of who she is.
You may have to see it twice to "see" how the "mistake" or "mishap" happened but it's a very good movie.
Plus, I loved it so much that I bought the soundtrack. Now, my children know Ludwig's music, which is a wonderful thing.
Immortal forever 
2009-12-09 - Some people complain about the accuracy on the historical point of view. Please disregard as the music is what make this movie an homage to this musical genius. The direction of the movie is good enough to present the brilliance and tragedy of a tortured life. I really could care the less if the historical facts were distorted movies are that. Were I focus my attention is on the sublimity of the music and the profound sentiments that come to live as an immortal legacy of the author.
Immortal Beloved Movie 
2009-09-27 - This movie with an extraordinary cast illuminates the passion of Beethoven's
life with music and the agony of missing his one true love but not forsaking
others in his own way. This was captured by the film makers ultimately. I keep
it in my library and have watched it many times.
I highly recommend this movie.
More theories on Beethoven's life 
2009-09-27 - A lot of people love this movie, for me is very good and well acted but I find other movies on the theme better, like Copying Beethoven, is a matter of opinion. Gary Oldman rocks as the man, one of his finest performances. and the overall story is good but a little to fanciful to my taste. Is a respecful portrayal of the master and his times.