Bel Canto is a 2018 drama film, directed by Paul Weitz and produced by A-Line Pictures, Depth of Field, Bloom, and Priority Pictures. The movie’s lead stars include Julianne Moore, Ken Watanabe, Sebastian Koch, Christopher Lambert, and Ryo Kase.
The story of Bel Canto follows the life of a renowned American opera singer named Roxane Coss, who is invited to perform in a small city in Peru to celebrate the birthday of a wealthy Japanese industrialist, Katsumi Hosokawa. The party, organized by a Peruvian company to convince Hosokawa to build a factory in Peru, takes place at the luxurious mansion of the Vice President, Ruben Ochoa.
Among the guests were the French ambassador, Simon Thibault, and his wife, Edith, Hosokawa’s translator, Gen, and the Russian delegation’s representative, Fyodorov. Coss’s voice mesmerizes Hosokawa, who has no interest in building a factory in Peru but instead wants to hear her sing. During Coss’s performance, the lights suddenly go out, and a group of terrorists bursts into the mansion, taking the guests hostage.
Bel Canto’s story is unique as it portrays the lives of hostages who form unexpected bonds with their captors. Over four months into the hostage crisis, Coss decides to make the most of her situation and starts practicing her singing with the help of a young pianist whom she meets among the hostages. Her beautiful voice captivates both the hostages and the terrorists, bringing a sense of joy amidst the turmoil.
As the story progresses, we see the terrorists’ dynamics shifting as some become closer to the hostages, while others become more ruthless. With the negotiator, Joachim Messner interceding between the terrorists and the government, we get a glimpse of how hostages can form bonds with their captors, leading to a change of heart among the kidnappers.
Bel Canto’s story is a perfect example of how a critical situation can bring out the best in people. The hostages and their captors come from different backgrounds and cultures, yet they become engrossed in each other’s lives during the crisis, creating a bond that transcends differences.
One of the unique aspects of Bel Canto is the unexpected turn of events, which makes the movie riveting. At first glance, the movie seems like a typical hostage crisis movie, but the narrative quickly shifts into something else entirely. While the tone changes, the movie remains true to its core message, which is all about creating connections and trying to find common ground even in the most challenging circumstances.
In summary, Bel Canto is a movie that depicts a unique account of a hostage crisis. It is an emotional, heart-warming tale that showcases the resilience, courage, and the bonds that form between people in the most challenging of circumstances. Bel Canto is truly an evergreen story that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
