The Legend of 1900

Interweaving several time planes using Morricone's magical music and an impressive retro atmosphere, The Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean very often acts as an alternative to Once Upon a Time in America, only that instead of a story about a mobster on land, it tells the story of a musician at sea. Unlike Leone, however, Tornatore doesn't have as many strong scenes that get under the viewer's skin. In the nearly three hours of running time, there are only a few, not enough for such a monstrously long film. The original premise, which is skillfully executed and has an almost fragile poetics and a fine-tuned musical component, is like something from another world, even though the visuals are sometimes spoiled by the blatantly ordinary visual effects and the boarding platform with the silhouette of the ship is strikingly reminiscent of scenes from James Cameron's Titanic. (08/13/2022)

The Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean is not a film for everyone due to its somewhat sleepy pace and lack of exciting twists. The main role in Giuseppe Tornatore's film is played by the camera, music, and performances, which together create a special atmosphere surrounding the life fate of a brilliant pianist, whose world is now only known through the legend told by his only friend. A man who emerged as an abandoned baby on a giant ocean liner to discover his exceptional musical gift and spent his whole life as a member of the ship's orchestra, never setting foot on dry land. Fear of the endless unknown world, which brings countless risks, prevents him from doing so. It is a film about the power of friendship, music, and the human loneliness that comes from a unique position. The film has two peak scenes, one being a poetic ride on a released piano through the ship's spaces, and the other a duel between two top pianists on the "edge of keys." An emotional and poetic work. Overall impression: 90%. (03/29/2010)

Tornatore’s worst movie. In other words, a picture whose qualities most other filmmakers get nowhere near equaling throughout their careers. But still, this is “just" Tornatore’s worst. And nothing more. I expect (or even demand) from a giant of his qualities the whole picture to be as perfect and inventive as the piano duel scene. And that cheap, tearful ending was unnecessary too. (01/22/2007)