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Divertimento

Play trailer Poster for Divertimento 2022 1h 50m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Zahia Ziouani, 17, dreams of becoming a conductor, while her twin sister Fettouma hopes to be a professional cellist. They want to make classical music accessible to everyone and create their own orchestra.

Critics Reviews

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Graeme Tuckett Stuff.co.nz It may be a slightly rose-tinted and family-friendly paean to the power of diversity and multi-culturalism in modern-day France, but Divertimento works hard for its goodwill and it is well-earned. It works perfectly well as a true-life French Fame. Rated: 4/5 Jul 28, 2024 Full Review Jim Schembri jimschembri.com An uplifting tale about how talent requires the fuel of perseverance. Rated: 3/5 Jun 20, 2024 Full Review Jason Blake Limelight A winning central performance and the music of Ravel grace this appealing biopic about a conductor trying to beat the odds stacked against her. Rated: 3.5/5 Jun 13, 2024 Full Review Sophie Terakes FILMINK (Australia) … undeniably heartfelt, albeit cheesy … Rated: 16.5/20 May 31, 2024 Full Review Roger Salvans Fotogramas Divertimento is a vitalistic film, filled with the best intentions and a soundtrack full of classic hits. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 3/5 Oct 27, 2023 Full Review Nuria Vidal Cinemanía (Spain) It is a pleasure to listen to such good music and see so much energy in such young people. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 3/5 Oct 26, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steve P Divertimento, a biopic chronicling the inspiring journey of Zahia Ziouani (played by Oulaya Amamra), is a heartwarming crowd-pleaser with a touch of underdog grit. Set against the backdrop of the working-class suburbs of Paris, the film follows Zahia's unwavering ambition to become a conductor in an industry dominated by tradition and privilege. The film excels at capturing the social and cultural barriers Zahia faces. Early scenes depict her attending a prestigious music school, where she's met with snickers and condescension from both classmates and faculty. This isn't just about overcoming self-doubt; it's a battle against systemic biases. Director Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar doesn't shy away from these challenges, but thankfully, the tone remains optimistic. There's a "can-do" spirit woven into the narrative, reminiscent of classic sports movies where the underdog triumphs against all odds. Amamra delivers a captivating performance as Zahia. Her portrayal is both passionate and nuanced, showcasing the character's determination alongside moments of vulnerability and frustration. We root for Zahia from the get-go, and Amamra makes us feel the sting of every rejection and the thrill of every victory. The supporting cast, particularly Lina El Arabi as Zahia's twin sister Fettouma, provides strong emotional grounding. While Divertimento's heart is in the right place, the plot occasionally feels formulaic. Certain conflicts are resolved a little too easily, and the narrative takes a predictable turn in the second half. The historical context of the movie helps to somewhat lessen this predictability. Knowing this is a true story adds a layer of weight to the emotional core. The technical aspects are solid. The music, of course, is a combination of traditional classics. A little more risk-taking in the selections would have been welcome. The cinematography is uncluttered, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and the music. However, the editing could have been tighter in some scenes, particularly during montages that feel a tad rushed. Divertimento is a pleasant and uplifting watch. It's not going to win awards for originality, but it delivers a powerful message about defying expectations and pursuing your dreams. If you're looking for a feel-good movie with a strong central performance and a touch of social commentary, Divertimento is a well-made and inspiring story that will leave you with a smile. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/02/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Divertimento

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Zahia Ziouani, 17, dreams of becoming a conductor, while her twin sister Fettouma hopes to be a professional cellist. They want to make classical music accessible to everyone and create their own orchestra.
Director
Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar
Producer
Olivier Gastinel, Marc-Benoît Créancier
Screenwriter
Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, Clara Bourreau
Production Co
France 2 Cinéma, Estello Films, Easy Tiger
Genre
Drama
Original Language
French (France)
Runtime
1h 50m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)