h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A few days ago I saw a docu at Dutch TV (German production) that was verry iompressive for me.

Any story-teller would be hard-pressed to invent a biography as incredible as the life of Brazil's celebrated star pianist, João Carlos Martins. Success and personal tragedies, traumatic injuries and triumphant comebacks mark his fate.

In the early sixties, this temperamental Brazilian, who plays soccer as passionately as he plays the piano, is celebrated as the greatest interpreter of the music of Bach next to Glenn Gould. But a disastrous injury throws his life off balance. One escapade follows the other.

In the late nineties, Martins' career seems finally over, when he has to undergo surgery to sever the nerves of his right hand. The one-armed pianist decides to attempt a comeback with his left hand only. With fanatic fervor he makes his left hand work for two. The date for a concert with a renowned orchestra is already set - and yet again, the inconceivable happens.
Martins is devastated. His dream to create something great on the piano seems finally buried.

The film accompanies João Carlos Martins during his darkest hours, traces the early triumphs and dramatic events of his life. Unique film sequences from his childhood and early years breathe life into this scintillating universe. Martins' encounters with his friends, the soccer genius Pelé and the legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, provide moments of bliss. And in the end, once again a small miracle occurs.

A film about a man, who never gives up and remains true to his passion – music.

Have you seen the movie Shine? Here is the Netflix description:

A riveting profile of Australian keyboard virtuoso David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush) and his ultimate triumph over a domineering, abusive father (Armin Mueller-Stahl); schizophrenia; and an obsession with the all but unplayable Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3. Sir John Gielgud, superb as ever, plays Helfgott's tutor. Richly deserved Oscars went to Rush (Best Actor) and to Mueller-Stahl for his supporting turn.

Well, that sounds very interesting.

I'll try to buy a dvd.

Surviving oneself, surviving one's own daily life, and creating and expressing the world of innerself.

Victory!

To me, that's great.

For me, That's great.

Very inspiring.


Thanks for your posting.

P.S. http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=6934487&style=movie&cart=260475213

Finally tonight I saw the DVD and it really breaks my heart,
full of emotions.

What a man, what a life.

He makes me also think of Richard Feynman (quantum theory).

Here two links;


http://www.cineclub.de/filmarchiv/2004/die-martins-passion.html

and

http://www.arte-tv.com/de/wissen-entdeckung/brasilien/Programm/760984,CmC=904302.html

Maybe someone cvan make an Entry about him.

I'll see at BBC-Collective if they have written about the German docu,
summer 2003.