Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated historical docu with violence, lots of smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
They Shot the Piano Player
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
When New York City music journalist Jeff Harris (voiced by Jeff Goldblum) travels to Rio de Janeiro to write a book about bossa nova, he becomes enthralled by the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Tenório Jr. in THEY SHOT THE PIANO PLAYER. Tenório Jr. was a virtuoso pianist who went missing in 1976 at the peak of his career. Harris interviews the living legends of bossa nova, including Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Toquinho (all voiced by themselves).
Is It Any Good?
This historical documentary might not appeal to all teens, but those who are interested will be rewarded. Directors Fernando Trueba and Javier Marsical last explored the beauty of Latin American music through animation in Chico and Rita, which told a sumptuous love story set against the backdrop of pre-Revolution Cuba. In They Shot the Piano Player, they reunite and use their expressive animation to tell the story of bossa nova pianist Tenório Jr., who disappeared under mysterious circumstances following a performance in 1976 Buenos Aires.
Part murder mystery (Tenório Jr. was allegedly tortured and murdered by the Argentinean dictatorship), part celebration of bossa nova and its great influence in pop music, the filmmakers deliver a touching work of art that doesn't always succeed in fulfilling its promises (we never find out what really happened to Tenório) but makes up for it by taking us back to a moment in time when global musical genres were transcending geographical limitations and inspiring the world to dance. Infused with profound melancholy, the film might appeal more to parents, but its passionate storytelling might spark curiosity in younger viewers who will undoubtedly find how bossa nova influenced some of the music they jam to today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the combination of animation and documentary. Do the filmmakers succeed by combining styles? Why or why not?
Although Tenório Jr. disappeared more than 40 years ago, his influence remains as vital and powerful as it did when he was alive. What artists do you wish were still around making music?
How does Jeff show courage by trying to solve the mystery of Tenório Jr.'s disappearance?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 11, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: August 14, 2024
- Cast: Jeff Goldblum , Caetano Veloso , Chico Buarque
- Director: Fernando Trueba
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre: Documentary
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 104 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: Rated PG-13 for smoking and some violence.
- Last updated: August 15, 2024
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