The Red Violin

In 1681, renowned Cremonese violin maker Nicolo Bussotti begins crafting a remarkable violin in anticipation of his child's arrival. This violin is destined to be his final masterpiece, imbued with secret ingredients that give it a striking red hue.

As Nicolo prepares for the birth of his child, a servant woman named Cesca reads tarot cards intended for Nicolo's wife, Anna. Surprisingly, the cards do not predict Anna's fate but instead foreshadow the tumultuous journey of the violin.

The joy of creation turns into sorrow when Anna tragically dies during childbirth. Heartbroken, Nicolo completes the violin, pouring his grief and love into the intricate instrument, forever marking it with significant emotional weight.

The Red Violin's fate takes a pivotal turn when it is placed for auction at the Duval auction house in Canada. Here, the violin's history begins to unfold as various bidders compete for the exquisite instrument.

The violin is initially acquired by an Austrian monastery, where it is played by a talented young boy named Kaspar Weiss. Guided by his mentor, Georges Poussin, Kaspar shows immense potential, but his bright future is cut short during a fateful audition.

During an audition for Prince Mansfeld, the promising young Kaspar tragically loses his life. The violin, now intertwined with his legacy, is buried with him, creating a poignant connection between the instrument and the young prodigy.

After being buried with Kaspar, the Red Violin is unearthed and comes into the hands of various gypsy owners. They transport it across regions, ensuring its journey through different cultures and experiences.

The violin finds its way to the English countryside, where it captivates the heart of renowned violinist Lord Frederick Pope. His obsession leads to jealous turmoil in his relationships, culminating in tragic consequences for both him and the violin.

A devastating love triangle ensues, resulting in Lord Pope's lover discovering him in a compromising position with the violin. In a fit of rage, she shoots the prized instrument, leading Pope to succumb to despair and take his own life.

Following Lord Pope's death, his former servant takes the Red Violin to China, pawning it with a merchant. The focus of the transaction shifts from the violin’s artistry to the valuable gemstone set within its scroll.

By 1937, the violin is owned by a bourgeois Chinese family and manages to survive the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, a time when Western music is deemed unacceptable. This resilience speaks to the enduring nature of the instrument's legacy.

After the owner’s death, the violin enters a bizarre collection of stringed instruments, including a Stradivarius, which is later appropriated by the Chinese government. It becomes part of a narrative that intertwines art and political history.

At the Canadian auction, descendants of the violin's past owners converge, each eager to reclaim the beloved instrument. They are joined by Charles Morritz, a violin expert who senses the significance of the mysterious Red Violin amidst the auction consignment.

As the auction unfolds, determined buyers present their aspirations for the coveted Red Violin. This gathering of individuals, each with their own motivations, highlights the enduring allure and emotional weight of the instrument throughout its storied past.