Cheltenham International Film Festival

Il Boemo (The Bohemian)- part of the Cheltenham International Film Festival

This screening forms part of Cheltenham International Film Festival, which marks its 5th anniversary in 2023. The festival will screen new films from around the world, plus film classics and is adding television, and new live events to its programme, along with guest celebrities.

This opulent biopic about little known Czech composer Josef Myslivecek is a feast for the senses. 

Coming from very humble beginnings in the 18th Century, Czech composer Josef Myslivecek (played by Vojtech Dyk, also a composer), charms his way into rich patronage, leading to a huge success in Italian opera.  Largely forgotten today, this epic feature is a reminder of Myslivecek’s undoubted talent.  Eventually he became a friend and mentor to a young Mozart (a scene stealing turn from the prodigious young musician Phillip Amadeus Hahn) and learning what true musical genius is.  

While the obvious touchstone is Milos Forman’s Oscar winning Amadeus, in shinning the spotlight on a little-known composer and the powerful women who helped him realise his potential, it also brings to mind recent release Chevalier. With flamboyant opera sequences performed by real life opera stars and opulent production design, this passionately delivered drama is a feast for the senses.

Sumptuously recreating the late 18th century ambience of musicians, singers and their noble patrons with a lavishness and authenticity Visconti would have appreciated, the film sweeps the viewer into its quaint and lusty world. The Film Verdict 

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