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"An American Rhapsody"
(Reviewed July 27, 2001)
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The first half of this drama about a Hungarian family's escape to America in the 1950s is excellently acted and quite touching. This is thanks primarily to the truly charming little girl (Kelly Endresz Banlaki) who plays Suzanne, a daughter who is left behind and raised by loving foster parents in the Hungarian countryside. The movie shifts gears dramatically when that sweet little girl grows up to be a rebellious, defiant and very conflicted teenager (played by Scarlett Johansson of "Ghost World").
"An American Rhapsody" is based on the life of the movie's writer/director Eva Gardos. The score, by Cliff Eidelman, deserves special note for being so subtle and restrained (as opposed to weepy and schmaltzy).
Best of all, the movie seems to be about real people, acted with integrity by real actors...unlike useless dreck such as "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," which will probably gross about 100 times more box office. Welcome to America, folks!
Back Row Grade: B
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