Coda [DVD]

I watched it through, as I gather many reviewers didn’t. Disclosure: many years ago I was a professional pianist – that is, I was paid to play. Then I went to law school and didn’t have time to practice. I liked some aspects of this movie. I do agree, however, that it was too long with very little action. I don’t agree with the negative reviews of Katie Holmes, whom I thought did a very good and sympathetic job. What I don’t understand is that the actor, Patrick Stewart, was 78 years old when this movie was made, and looked every day of it. Surely there is no shame in retiring at that age, yet the movie makes it seem like a major tragedy and, even stranger, something to avoid. There is only one alternative to growing old, but how you deal with the disabilities of old age is up to you, at least if you have the resources for the necessities of life and perhaps a few luxuries too, which Henry in this movie surely had. And if he was short of money, which was never suggested, he could easily solve that by teaching piano – with his reputation, he could make a lot of money teaching. In other words, although this is played as a tragedy, it features a man with far more resources for a comfortable old age than are enjoyed by many, even most people in this or any other country. The piano playing, by the way, is excellent (not by anybody on screen).

Enjoyable slower-paced movie

It's well written, well acted and overall a decent film, but so much of the movie is just Sir Henry walking around. It's one thing to show a character swallowed up by regret, loss and sadness, but it seems like half the movie is just that and only that. We don't get enough of the leads interacting with one another, we barely find out about Sir Henry's tragic past, and the additional tragedy three quarters of the way through feels like piling on. Finally, I thought the last 10-15 minutes of the film would be Sir Henry's final concert in London, his calling card, his swan song and ode to his lost loves. But alas, we only hear the opening strains of the piano and then... credits??? We could have done with 10 minutes less walking around in nature and instead seen and experienced the passion, the love, and the hurt in his last performance. In the end, this film is but a shadow of what I envisioned, and that's a sad statement to the director's performance.

I actually got this film by mistake. I thought I was ordering a movie with the same title--goodness knows why-- of this Years' Academy Awards' Best Film. When this one arrived I thought to return it, but decided to view it first. I am glad I did, because my wife and I both loved it, and we are likely to view it repeatedly. I am not sure how a viewer who doesn't care for classical music music will react to it, but it seems to me that its purely human contents will surely win them over.The male lead is a Shakespearian actor, I am told, and his performance here is impressive. The female lead is no slouch either, and she is lovely besides.The story centers on loss of self confidence in a brilliant pianist of advancing age; and a woman, unsuccessful in her attempt to establish her own career in music, has turned to journalism and tries to help the musician regain his best self.The story includes a nice subplot involving kind helpfulness to an eleven year old boy who aspires to success at the piano, and another minor subplot involving chess. In addition to the appeal of the two leads, not to mention the important role of the musician's agent, there is some spectacular Swiss landscape scenes. No-one could fail to be taken with these!There are three kinds of endings to films: happy ones, sad or tragic ones, and open endings. In the interest of avoiding spoilers--which my wife can't stand--I am trying to avoid hinting which of these is the outcome of the human story. Just wait and see!Don't miss it!I am still waiting for the newer film with the same tile to be available. I loved that too!

If you love excellent music, and especially piano like I do ... you will LOVE this. And, if you also love Patrick Stewart, like I do, you will love this movie even MORE. This is nothing less than an all-to-brief moment in time to ponder some of the mysteries of life, with excellent music and acting as well as magnificant scenery. I lost count of how many times I rewound to listen to certain comments over again which I took away to savor in my own quiet moments . Very well done; we need more movies like this. And I need a trip to Switzerland!

Patrick Stewart shows us his great talent again in this movie. His portrayl of this character is so real. The whole movie evoked many emotions from joy to great sadness. if you are a thoughtful person, who ponders the great mysteries of life and existence, you will enjoy this movie. If not then maybe see other movies until you have matured into someone who is old, experienced and wise enough to appreciate it.

This movie is a very good. I am a fan of Patrick Stewart and Katie Holmes. I recognized Giancario Esposito from 2 other TV show series: The Mandalorian and Once Upon a Time. They are wonderful performers.I enjoyed listening to Henry Cole portrayed by Patrick Stewart playing a piano with my hearing aids on during the video streaming. Beautiful music. He reminds me of my oldest brother who played a piano when he was a young but when he got older, not anymore.

The seller took the adventure of the popularity of the movie coda. It has nothing to do with that movie, but the title certainly, and the timing also indicates that it is coda. I bought it with that understanding. No returns possible. Not good.