They Shot the Piano Player

The experimentation sometimes loses its rhythm, but both good music and emotional impacts are absolutely guaranteed. [Full review in Spanish]

Mariscal and Trueba unspool the story like a mystery.

"They Shot the Piano Player" is a tribute to the musician and to those who knew him best. See it more than once, and hope the theater plays it loud.

Under the supervision of animation director Carlos Léon Sancha, the film is a graceful, somewhat overbusy visual treat, a playful riot of colors anchored by a crisp sense of line.

The film basically and improbably works, even with some limitations.

Getting to hear these musicians remember Tenório Júnior in their own words against the backdrop of the film’s gorgeous art direction brings them more to life better than a standard live-action talking head interview ever could.

The animation vividly introduces us to the great Brazilian pianist and the music scene of his time, but falls short of being an engaging investigation-focused drama.

A graphic novel come to liquid life... a limber, lissome beauty.

The choice of animation as the medium for telling this somber story is an inspired one...the musical interludes fairly leap from the screen, an undulating riot of fiery reds, blazing yellows, and inky blues.

The film may be an unflinching look at a murderous past, but tragedy is juxtaposed with the joy of seeing an animated Ella Fitzgerald running barefoot through the streets... encapsulating the chaotic splendor and spirit of this cinematic gem.