The Legend of 1900

Every bit as lush, nostalgic and romantic as his Cinema Paradiso, director Giuseppe Tornatore's English language debut is a dreamy cross between Life Is Beautiful and Titanic. While it's about as plausible as the former and slightly less spectacular than the latter, this epic rumination on the human condition is still an engaging fable, delicately shot through with keen emotions and stunning visuals. Based on a monologue by Alessandro Baricco, the movie tells the strange tale of orphan Tim Roth, who was born on a cruise liner at the beginning of the 20th century. Later, he becomes a genius pianist during the Roaring Twenties. Told in melancholy flashback by trumpet player Pruitt Taylor Vince, this bittersweet mood piece is packed with stunning images, all choreographed to another masterly Ennio Morricone score. Unusual, adventurous and haunting, this sumptuous production is Tornatore's best work in ages.