The Competition

Year: 1980

Runtime: 123 mins

Language: English

Director: Joel Oliansky

MusicRomanceDrama

Paul, a determined pianist, sees this high‑stakes competition as his last chance at a career‑making victory. Newcomer Heidi, under the strict guidance of teacher Greta, quickly outshines him. As rivalry and attraction grow, both must choose between love, artistic integrity and the relentless pressure to win, risking Paul’s obscurity.

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Timeline & Setting – The Competition (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Competition (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:13

Main Characters – The Competition (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Competition (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:13

Major Themes – The Competition (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Competition (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:13

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Rivalry and Romance Movies like The Competition

Talented rivals grapple with the high cost of victory and the pull of romance.If you enjoyed the tension between ambition and love in The Competition, explore more movies with similar character-driven conflicts. This collection features stories where talented individuals in competitive fields must choose between professional glory and personal connection, resulting in emotionally resonant and bittersweet journeys.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow two highly skilled individuals whose paths cross in a competitive setting. As they push each other to excel, a deep respect and romantic attraction develops, creating a powerful internal conflict. The narrative builds towards a climactic event where a choice must be made, often resulting in a victory that feels incomplete or a sacrifice that redefines success.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the potent drama of a rivalry-romance dynamic. They feature medium to high emotional weight, a steady pacing that builds tension, and a consistent bittersweet tone that acknowledges the complexities of achieving dreams at a personal cost.

Movies about Performance Pressure like The Competition

Stories of artists and competitors buckling under the weight of expectation.Fans of The Competition who were captivated by the intense pressure of the musical contest will find similar themes here. Discover movies that explore the sacrifices, anxieties, and moral dilemmas faced by performers striving for perfection under the glare of judges, teachers, and their own high standards.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a protagonist (or group) preparing for a singular, career-defining event. External pressures from mentors, family, or institutions compound internal fears of failure. The story examines the sacrifices required for greatness, often involving themes of generational conflict, the loss of artistic joy, and the question of what truly constitutes a 'win'.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific ambiance built around ambition, anxiety, and the immense weight of a single opportunity. They feature a steady pacing that mirrors the rigorous preparation for an event, a medium intensity that balances quiet dread with climactic release, and a thematic focus on the cost of excellence.

Unlock the Full Story of The Competition

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Competition in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Competition is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Competition Summary

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The Competition Timeline

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The Competition Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About The Competition

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Competition: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Competition

Discover movies like The Competition that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.