Wonderful character development!

A Disappointing Continuation

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

As soon as this film is available on DVD I am going to buy twenty copies to keep on hand to give to my over 40 friends on their birthdays. The underlying message is "go for it!". In an age when many gifted people consider themselves failures if they don't reach the world fame level in their field, it's a refreshing reminder of the power and pleasure of art for art's sake. "They Came to Play" was a delightful peek, for a non-musician like myself, into the intriguing and whimsical minds of the musically gifted. It was also an extraordinary feat of editing. It would be interesting to know how many contestants the filmmaker followed in order to come up with the final set of featured individuals.

"They came to play" is as uplifting as it is inspiring, as funny as it is touching. The movie establishes a personal and intimate relationship with its characters – unique personalities indeed. Its flawless change of perspective from the main characters, everyday individuals with real-life problems, and a passion to play the piano at the highest level, to their families, and the awed audience of the Van Cliburn Classical piano competition for Amateurs creates a perfect pace for this documentary and involves the movie audience in this incredible experience of fulfilling dreams in spite of life's many obstacles. For music lovers, the performances and musical choices are an exquisite treat. Without giving away the stories that this movie tells so piercingly, the choice of characters and participants is beautifully varied, and any viewers may find a little bit of themselves in these incredible individuals. Doubtlessly, this movie is an inspiration for those afflicted with a life-long love for music, regardless of where life has taken them. Beyond filling musical hearts with joy, however, this labor of love is so caringly crafted that it also warms the souls of non-musicians. The message is clear, whatever your background, whatever your interest, live your dream. Enrich your life at home, in your family, at work, and the lives of those around you, by tenaciously pursuing that passion that is uniquely you; like a true lover would.

I saw the film at a screening here in Los Angeles last year. I'll confess, I know the both the director and editor and am very fond of them and their work. Regardless, this is a brisk, captivating, and compelling depiction of an "amateur" competition that will knock the socks off anyone with a pulse. These are everyday folks who possess--or are possessed by--herculean skills, and the film really gets inside them...quirks, warts, and all. You're as likely to squirm with unease as you are squeal with delight, and be equally gratified either way. This is a wonderful film about conviction and obsession, a joyride through the artistic soul.

I tend to judge a film on two criteria: 1) do I care about the characters? and 2) what kind of "stickability" does the film have with me--do I remember it tomorrow? next week? next month? First, regarding this film's "characters", this is a documentary, so all of these people are real people--and I might add real characters. As Ann Landers used to say "truth is stranger"; you simply could not script this stuff any better.To explain, the competition at the heart of this documentary is international in scope and limited to the serious amateur who is at least 35 years old. What this translates into is a competition among people who despite their tremendous love of music, as well as their apparent mastery of the piano, know they will never "make it" professionally--i.e. no one's leaving their day job anytime too soon. This is key: this movie is all about people willing to put themselves out there to passionately pursue a dream all the while knowing that even if the dream is achieved, their daily lives will go on pretty much the same as before.The movie chronicles the journey these passionate, talented people are willing to take leading them to Fort Worth, Texas for this rather intense five day competition. At the beginning, the film introduces you to a handful of the competitors in their homes as they prepare for the competition. Later, you get to see many of these same people as they leave the stage in their physically exhausted, emotionally open and raw state. You hear their stories; you get to know them. And ultimately, you pick your personal favorites. Then, you get to watch them fight it out as they each pursue the prize of a first place finish. In short, I loved these "characters", but what's more is that I admired them deeply. My sense is that it is people like these competitors who are showing us all how to live. How to pull out all the stops and really go for it.In terms of the movie's "stickability", I saw the movie three months ago and as you can see if you've read this far, it is still very much with me.If you are a fan of the documentary, this movie is a must see; it spins a yarn as tightly as did "Spellbound" or "WordPlay". If you are a fan of classical music, this movie is a must see; the music throughout is beautifully performed. If on the other hand, you are just okay with documentaries and don't really care for classical music--please see it anyway. Assuming you are an alive breathing human being--you will go away glad you did if for no other reason than the entertainment value. But beyond that, seeing it may leave you open to living life just a little more fully--something you don't typically get from a night at the movies.