Isabella Rossellini Movie:

				Salesrank: 239638
		MPAA Rating: R (Restricted) Media: DVD

Editorial Review:
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 [Region 2] Reviews:
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.

Magnificent!
2009-08-26 - The year is 1827, and famed composer Ludwig van Beethoven has just died. He leaves his estate to someone only known as his "Immortal Beloved," so his secretary goes about finding out who she may be among his many lovers.

This movie is absolutely beautiful. Beethoven's music, of course, is the soundtrack and also the main plot point, as the writer/director speculates on the events in the maestro's life that inspired each piece. The movie goes back and forth in time to each of the important people in Beethoven's life and we see his music evolve from much tragedy, some euphoria, and most of all, his passion for life. There is even a persuasive scene accounting for his deafness.

With lavish costumes and picturesque Czech locations, it's lovely to look at but even more impressive is Gary Oldman's portrayal of Beethoven. Though playing a conceited, temperamental, and often angry man, Oldman still wins our sympathy and he is at his charismatic best. If you love Beethoven's music and/or period films, you'll enjoy this exciting biopic. Highly recommended.