Seymour: An Introduction

PG

Released Mar 13, 2015

1h 21m

Documentary

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List

100%

68 Reviews

Tomatometer

79%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Pianist Seymour Bernstein, who gave up performing for teaching, discusses his passion for music and his philosophy of life.

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Critics Consensus

Seymour Bernstein's genuineness shines so brightly in Seymour: An Introduction that viewers will forgive debuting director Ethan Hawke's reverent treatment.

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jake l

A perfect film about an ideal musician: Seymour Bernstein is one of the all-time greats for a reason, and it is because of his infectious humanity.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I'm a sucker for stories about people who are deeply dedicated to their craft and that description actually minimizes the passion Seymour Bernstein has for piano. I may have rated lower if I didn't have a background in music, but this "introduction" certainly goes deeper.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I guess some pre-knowledge of this musician might enhance proceedings.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Allows a look into the life of a concert pianist turned instructor who shares the beauty of music intertwined with love of life. Interesting for those who love music- maybe not so much for those who don't.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Surprising to me how involved I became and how genuinely good and interesting Seymour is.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

'The most important thing that music teachers can do for their pupils is to inspire an emotional reaction, not just for the music, but more importantly, for life.'

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

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Ethan Hawke

Director

Seymour Bernstein

Self

Ethan Hawke

Self

Greg Loser

Producer

Heather Smith

Producer

Ryan Hawke

Producer

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Seymour: An Introduction: Trailer 1

1:59

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

Not only a very fine documentary, but a warm and likable one to boot.

Jun 18, 2016

Full Review

Andrew Pulver

Guardian

There's no pressing story to tell, or even especially vital achievement to record, so the film probably counts as bit of self-indulgence from Hawke, but it's got a very good heart.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 24, 2016

Full Review

Tom Long

Detroit News

The great joy of the film, whether you know piano or not, is watching Bernstein teach.

Rated: B

Apr 10, 2015

Full Review

Dan Scully

Cinema76

Watching Seymour: An Introduction is like receiving a motivational speech from someone who is not just the best at what they do, but also the best person they can possible be.

Apr 9, 2020

Full Review

Leslie Combemale

Cinema Siren (YouTube)

Gorgeously straightforward yet emotional.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 5, 2019

Full Review

Bernard Boo

Way Too Indie

This is classy, dynamic filmmaking that reduced me to tears.

Rated: 8.5/10

Mar 14, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

Pianist Seymour Bernstein, who gave up performing for teaching, discusses his passion for music and his philosophy of life.

Director: Ethan Hawke
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Under the Influence Productions, Room 5 Films
Rating: PG (Some Mild Thematic Elements)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 13, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 5, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $580.0K
Runtime: 1h 21m

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