The Song of Names

The Song of Names

Year: 2019

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: François Girard

Drama

A young boy develops a close relationship with a talented Polish violinist, but the musician’s family mysteriously disappears. Years later, the boy, now a man, seeks to uncover the truth behind the violinist’s vanishing, leading him on a journey filled with loss, friendship, and the profound impact of music across generations. The search reveals a deeply personal and poignant story.

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Timeline – The Song of Names (2019)

Trace every key event in The Song of Names (2019) 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

Post-War Orphanhood

In the aftermath of World War II, 9-year-old Dovidl Rapoport finds himself orphaned in Poland. The weight of his losses shatters the innocence of his childhood, leaving him to navigate a world filled with sorrow and uncertainty.

Poland
2

Discovery of Talent

Amidst the devastation, Dovidl's extraordinary talent on the violin is discovered. This revelation becomes a flicker of hope in his bleak existence, offering him a chance to connect with a lost world of music.

3

Adoption by the Simmonds Family

The compassionate Simmonds family takes Dovidl into their home in England, where he is lovingly renamed David. This act of kindness provides him with a new family and a safe space to begin healing from his traumatic past.

England
4

Growing Up with Music

As he grows up alongside the Simmonds' son, David finds solace in music, which becomes a healing balm for his wounded spirit. His love for the violin deepens, serving as a bridge to his past and a guide for his future.

5

Haunting Memories

Despite his newfound life, memories of his biological family haunt David. The emotional weight of loss becomes a constant presence in his heart, reminding him of the family he can no longer remember clearly.

6

Mysterious Disappearance

On a significant day, as he prepares to perform at a concert, David mysteriously disappears, leaving behind only his violin. This sudden departure raises questions about his emotional state and the unresolved trauma of his past.

7

Journey of Self-Discovery

David's disappearance marks the beginning of a profound journey of self-discovery. Compelled by an ache in his heart, he sets out to find the Polish Jewish community in Stoke Newington, seeking closure about his lost loved ones.

Stoke Newington
8

Confronting the Past

During his search, David encounters a heartbreaking list of Rapoport family members who perished during the war. This revelation forces him to confront the painful truth: none of his family could survive the atrocities of the Holocaust.

9

Martin's Quest for David

Many years later, Martin Simmonds receives an enigmatic message that prompts him to search for his long-lost brother. His quest takes him from England to Poland, driven by a mix of hope and the need to reconnect.

Poland
10

Reunion in New York

Martin finally locates David, who has rebuilt his life in New York as a husband and father. This reunion stirs a complex mixture of emotions, as Martin grapples with the changes that have occurred over the years.

New York
11

Return to Music

As Martin encourages David to revisit his musical roots, David agrees to perform again but under mysterious terms. The ambiguity of this agreement hangs in the air, foreshadowing the challenges ahead.

12

The Anticipated Concert

As the concert day approaches, an electric atmosphere surrounds the venue. Martin and his wife arrive, eager to witness David's long-awaited performance, blending hope with anxiety about what this moment might bring.

13

A Breathtaking Performance

David delivers a breathtaking performance with the orchestra, culminating in a heartfelt solo of the 'Song of Names.' This cathartic expression evokes powerful memories of his family, intertwining joy with sorrow.

14

A Letter of Finality

Following the concert, David pens a poignant letter to Martin, expressing that their lives must remain separate. This final sentiment underscores the emotional gravity of their reunion and the enduring impact of their past.

15

Kaddish and Closure

In the aftermath of their parting, Martin murmurs the Kaddish, a Jewish prayer for the dead, recognizing the irreversible nature of their separation. This moment signals the poignant closing act of their touching story, blending grief with acceptance.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 12:41

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The Song of Names Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Song of Names

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