La Bohème

Oct 17 2008 N/A 1h 55m
Music, Romance

Giacomo Puccini's immortal opera, in a high budget feature-film version directed by Academy Award nominee Robert Dornhelm, stars opera's 'Golden Couple', Rolando Villazon and Anna Netrebko as the protagonists, Rodolfo and Mimi. The chemistry between them is electric, unrivalled in the theatre today. Russian soprano Anna Netrebko is not only beautiful but has a marvelous voice and technique; Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon, has a wonderful voice and an incredible charisma. The director not only wanted to remain steadfastly faithful to Puccini's design but also document two of the leading singers of the modern age rather than embarking on a 'trendy' contemporary re-creation.

Plot

In 1830s Paris four arty types shiver in a garret, owing rent but when one of their number,musician Schaunard,earns money they are all set to buy a meal in a nearby restaurant. Poet Rodolpho stays behind to finish his writing and is interrupted by Lucia,known as Mimi,a seamstress from the next apartment. They are instantly attracted to each other and catch the others up at the restaurant where Rodolpho's painter friend Marcello is re-acquainted with his flirtatious ex-girlfriend Musetta, who dumps her sugar daddy,after getting him to pay everyone's bill,for him. Some time later Musetta and Alfredo are living together,as are Mimi and Rodolpho,but he is aware that she has tuberculosis and is mean to her in the hopes she will leave him for someone who can take better care of her. Eventually she does,Musetta splits from Marcello and the four men resume garret life. They are visited by Musetta,who has sought out Mimi,now living with a wealthy count,but dying,and has brought her back to die in the presence of her true lover and friends.Musetta and Marcello reunite as Rodolpho cries over his Mimi.

Written by

Giuseppe Giacosa, Luigi Illica, Henri Murger

Directed by

Robert Dornhelm

Production Countries

Germany, Austria

Production Companies

Unitel, MR Filmproduktion, ZDF, ORF, International Management Group (IMG), Filmfonds Wien

Languages

Italiano

Awards

N/A

Scores
# of Votes
406
Average Rating
7.2 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA