The Red Violin (1998)

In the bustling heart of modern-day Montreal, the stage is set for the auction of a legendary artifact - the Nicolo Bussotti violin, renowned for its radiant red hue, known simply as "the red violin". As the bidding commences, the narrative enthrallingly plunges into a series of time-warped vignettes, journeying back to the violin's genesis in the masterful hands of a 17th-century Italian craftsman. The rich, mesmerizing tale of the precious instrument unfolds as it traverses history, each chapter resonating with the strumming of its strings. From the hushed corridors of an 18th-century Austrian monastery, the violin’s melody whispers tales of devotion and faith. It then dances through the halls of 19th-century Oxford, where a virtuoso violinist is entranced by its enchanting tune. Even the upheaval of China's Cultural Revolution couldn’t silence the red violin's symphony, as its journey continued, echoing the tumultuous rhythm of the times. As the narrative circles back to the pulsating present in Montreal, a passionate collector enters the fray, driven to unravel the intricate identity and clandestine secrets veiled within the red violin's captivating melody. 'The Red Violin' weaves a rich tapestry of five distinct stories, each separated by time yet harmoniously connected by the enduring legacy of a single, extraordinary instrument. Its tale is as entrancing and enduring as the strains of music it has produced, touching countless lives and etching a vibrant songline across the centuries.

The Red Violin is a drama movie featuring Don McKellar and directed by François Girard.

The Red Violin is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee and Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy The Red Violin on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.