I'm a Journalist in Korea17: “Viulisti / The Violin Player” & The 15th Jecheon International Music Film Festival

 “Viulisti / The Violin Player” & The 15th Jecheon International Music Film Festival 

 Review by Kim Miso aka Rahel Limor 

   The 15th Jecheon International Music Film Festival opens on April 15th with the movie, “Viulisti / The Violin Player”, a movie from Finland with Korean subtitles. It offers a glimpse into the trials and suffering of a master musician who can no longer work her craft. 

   As a musician myself I can honestly imagine how losing one’s physical ability would definitely result in an emotional pain that is almost unbearable. Music-making is not just about perfecting the instrument of choice. It’s about digging deeply into one’s soul and pouring your guts out through that instrument. It is, and I quote from the script, “to be inside of your soul”. In this case the instrument of choice is the violin. The musician is Finnish actress Matlina Kusniemme who is herself not only an actress but also a master violinist in real life. 

   Anyone who is passionate about their work will know both the pain and pleasure of mastering it. Artists in particular are on display for the struggles they face when choosing a life devoted to their innate passion.    “Viulisti / The Violin Player” shows us the challenges and the effort needed to make melody and rhythm come alive. It tells the story of an artists’ inner and outer struggle and the pain of what happens when the ability to cry, shout and love through the instrument is unexpectedly lost. 

   “Viulisti / The Violin Player” is not unlike others in this genre. I’m not sure if adding sex and seduction adds to or subtracts from the movie. I suppose every story needs a romance. In the very least it helps sell what otherwise might seem like a boring movie to non-musicians. 

   “Viulisti / The Violin Player” is directed by Pavo Westerberg and stars Matlina Kusniemme, Olabi Usivirta, Kim Bodnia, Misa Romi and Saemori Edelman. It is brought to Korea by The Coop Co., Ltd. And distributted by Yejilim Entertainment Co., Ltd.. If you like movies of this genre, and don’t mind reading Korean subtitles, then you will enjoy this one.