Bel Canto

In 1996 Tokyo, businessman Katsumi Hosokawa prepares to leave for an unspecified South American country. He bids farewell to his son, who is lost in the world of heavy metal music, highlighting a stark contrast between their interests.

Upon arriving in South America, Katsumi is struck by the grim poverty surrounding his luxurious limousine. This prompts him to express doubts about the feasibility of building a factory there, but he vows to construct it if opera singer Roxane Coss performs for him.

Katsumi attends a lavish party hosted by Vice President Ruben Ochoa, filled with prominent figures including the French ambassador and a Russian delegate. During the celebration, Roxane expresses her discomfort regarding the unsafe environment she finds herself in.

The festive atmosphere is shattered when armed men, led by Comandante Benjamin, storm the party. They demand the release of political prisoners, leading to chaos as the President opts to stay home instead of attending the event.

A Red Cross negotiator, Joachim Messner, steps in to mediate the crisis. The Comandante allows the elderly, women, and priests to leave, yet Roxane is forced to stay due to the value of her talent amidst the turmoil.

Tragedy strikes when Christopf, Roxane’s accompanist, is shot while returning for her. This deepens the tension as Katsumi offers his condolences to Roxane, marking the beginning of their emotional connection.

As the hostage situation continues, Katsumi and Roxane bond over chess and shared meals. The psychological strain of captivity brings them closer together, leading to a romantic entanglement despite Katsumi's marital status back in Japan.

Under pressure from the Comandante, Roxane is compelled to perform for the soldiers outside to demonstrate the need for government assistance. Reluctantly, she delivers an incredible performance that restores immediate calm and ends the water supply cut.

Roxane receives a more comfortable room as she continues to be guarded by Carmen, who begins learning English from Katsumi’s translator Gen. This setting further complicates romantic feelings as both pairs navigate their emotions amidst crisis.

The Comandante faces pressure as family threats emerge, suggesting hope for hostages’ release. Meanwhile, soldiers like Cesar begin to show interest in opera, while others react mockingly, heightening tension within the group.

Amidst the grim situation, camaraderie grows during shared meals and a soccer match facilitated by the Comandante's temporary leniency. Laughter emerges as Roxane teaches Cesar to sing, creating perhaps the lightest moment of the crisis.

As the chance for peace seems within reach, government forces unleash gunfire, resulting in devastating losses, including Gen’s heroic sacrifice to protect Carmen. This dark turn rekindles the horror of the hostage situation.

One year after the turmoil, Roxane performs in a grand auditorium, capturing the audience’s hearts once more. Among the spectators, Katsumi watches, signifying a bittersweet ending to their intertwined stories as memories of their love linger.