Madame Sousatzka (1988)

In the heart of London, after a tumultuous journey from India, we find the resilient Sushila Sen and her gifted son, Manek. Sushila, a Bengali baker by trade, struggles with the harsh realities of everyday life in a foreign land, while her son, a piano prodigy, grapples with his burgeoning talent. Manek's extraordinary abilities catch the attention of his schoolteacher, who introduces him to a beacon of musical excellence, the formidable Irina Sousatzka. Irina, a Russian émigré widely admired for her exceptional teaching prowess, forms a profound connection with young Manek. She becomes his guide not only in mastering the piano but also in navigating the complex symphony of life itself. However, the harmony between teacher and student strikes a discordant note when Manek rebels against the idea of having his life orchestrated by others. As Sushila battles her own challenges, an unfortunate incident with her culinary business puts her livelihood at risk and places an unexpected burden on Manek's tender shoulders. The pressure builds for him to leverage his piano skills for financial gain, a move that stands in stark contrast to Irina's philosophy. Haunted by her own past as a prematurely thrust concert pianist, Irina firmly believes in letting a student perform only when they're truly ready. But when an opportunistic music agent steps into the picture, he tempts Manek with a golden opportunity to perform with the illustrious London Symphony Orchestra. Torn between loyalty to his mother and his mentor, Manek is faced with a decision that could alter the course of his life. "Madame Sousatzka" is a poignant tale of ambition, resilience, and the music that binds us all.

Madame Sousatzka is a drama movie featuring Shirley MacLaine and directed by John Schlesinger.

It is possible to buy Madame Sousatzka on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.