Vitus (2006)

64% of critics liked it
(61 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(14,562 ratings)

A young boy whose remarkable, almost supernatural capacity for learning prompts his parents to anticipate a brilliant future as a pianist rebels to take his fate into his own hands in director Fredi M. Murer's contemplative family drama. By kindergarten Vitus is reading encyclopedias, and by age… More A young boy whose remarkable, almost supernatural capacity for learning prompts his parents to anticipate a brilliant future as a pianist rebels to take his fate into his own hands in director Fredi M. Murer's contemplative family drama. By kindergarten Vitus is reading encyclopedias, and by age five he is a piano prodigy. Despite the fact that his parents do their best to nurture the young boy's natural talent for music, Vitus seems strangely disinterested in refining his exceptional talents on the ivory. In fact, the only place where Vitus seems to be in his element is in his eccentric grandfather's cluttered workshop. Now, as the young boy begins to display a keen interest in aviation, one fateful leap will set his entire future into motion, and offer a compelling preview of things to come. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: Fredi M. Murer
Written By: Fredi M. Murer
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Jun 29, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Nov 27, 2007
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Critic Reviews

V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Oh, yes. I loved the music, but it's almost impossible to go wrong with Bach and Schumann.
Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune
There are some likable elements to this unusual, erratic, ultimately frustrating film.
Jim Emerson, Chicago Sun-Times
The more sentimentally inclined in the audience may even feel like applauding.
Ronnie Scheib, Chicago Reader
[A] celebratory, family-friendly fable.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Vitus freaks you out, but its makers seem to have no idea that it does.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
While the metaphor here may be too literal for some tastes, Murer shows how our families also give us the wings to fly.
Enrique Buchichio, Uruguay Total
Una película interesante, si bien no original, sobre lo que significa crecer siendo un niño prodigio. Sorprendentes actuaciones de los pequeños protagonistas, junto al veterano y experto Bruno Ganz.
Mark Dujsik, Mark Reviews Movies
I alternately wanted to slap and hug the majority of the characters
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Newcomer Teo Gheorghiu does a fantastic job of bringing the title character to life...
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Do we need another child prodigy film? Probably not, but this one from Fredi M. Murer delights us anyway because of an engaging cast, a smart script, and perceptive direction.
Matt Kelemen, Las Vegas CityLife
[Twelve-year-old lead actor] Gheroghiu's subtle acting ... makes the somewhat fantastical plot threads that drive the second half of the film believable, and turns what was a somewhat bloodless family drama into a cleverly constructed tale void of life-af
John Beifuss, Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)
Like a gifted youngster, 'Vitus' doesn't fulfill its potential.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...fairy tales are really horror shows, and the idea of children as anything other than miniature adults with the full complement of ugly motives is a relatively recent one.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
The less you know about the storyline the better, but there are elements of a buddy movie, a super scam, and love story in this film about a 12 year old wunderkind who has the smarts to make his dreams soar
Sean Means, Salt Lake Tribune
Director/co-writer Fredi M. Murer provides some whimsically absurd twists in this gentle observation of the travails of growing up.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
[An] appealing and crowd-pleasing film.
Lawrence Toppman, Charlotte Observer
Anyone who's been or borne a gifted child will smile with recognition at Vitus, which always keeps us guessing but connected to the young superman of the title.
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
It's a simple, gentle tale that pulls its audience in almost imperceptibly; by its end, you just might be blinking away unexpected tears.
Shawn Levy, Oregonian
Its heart is never anywhere but in the right place.

Read all 19 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Superb! Heartwarming, interesting, clever and fun! If there had been a six star rating, that's what I would have given Vitus. One of the most delightful movies I've ever seen, and oh, the music! This film runs the gamut of emotions, and ends with the best of them all.