The Red Violin

The Red Violin

Year: 1999

Runtime: 131 min

Language: English

Director: François Girard

DramaMysteryRomanceMusic

A gifted craftsman creates a beautiful violin in 17th-century Italy, imbuing it with deep personal significance. The instrument’s history then unfolds across centuries and continents, connecting diverse characters and locations. In modern-day Montreal, an expert appraiser discovers the violin and its captivating story, embarking on a quest to reveal the secrets and passions woven into its creation and the lives it has touched. The journey explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of art.

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Timeline – The Red Violin (1999)

Trace every key event in The Red Violin (1999) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Creation of 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.

1681 Cremona, Italy
2

Fortune-Telling

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.

3

Tragic Loss

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.

4

Auction at Duval Auction House

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.

Duval Auction House, Canada
5

First Owner: Kaspar Weiss

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.

Austrian Monastery
6

Kaspar's Tragic End

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.

7

The Gypsies' Possession

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.

8

Lord Frederick Pope's Infatuation

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.

England
9

The Love Triangle and Tragedy

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.

10

Transfer to China

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.

Shanghai, China
11

Survival through Cultural Revolution

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.

1937 China
12

Government Collection

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.

13

Auction Reunion

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.

Duval Auction House, Canada
14

A Tapestry of Aspirations

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.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:50

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The Red Violin Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Red Violin

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Red Violin

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