TxMike Nicolo Paganini, born in 1782, was a genuine child prodigy, learning Mandolin and Violin at the ages of 5 and 6. By the time he was 13 he traveled about Italy to find the best teachers but they told him he was too advanced, they could not teach him. He was certainly the best and most known violinist of the late 1700s and early 1800s. And many still think that he remains the best violinist of all time. In fact he was so good that some people of that period were sure he had a pact with the dEVIL. And it even prevented him, upon his death, to have a Christian burial.And that is the significance of the title of this movie. It takes the life of the real violinist, Nicolo Paganini, and weaves in a fictional story about his special appearance in London, where he also met a young soprano, but was destined for love unfulfilled.The star, and one of the producers, is actual concert violinist David Garrett as the adult Niccolò Paganini. Garrett himself was a child prodigy of sorts and when you see him play he can do remarkable things, Paganini-like things, with the violin. He is not an experienced actor, yet he does fine in the role, and this movie could not have been realistically made without someone of his caliber. When we see him playing famous, complex Paganini compositions, we see Garrett playing them himself. I am a musician, my father was a violinist, it makes a difference to have a real virtuoso musician in the role.In this fictional story, early in his performance career, Paganini receives a lukewarm reception from a crude crowd, who would rather hear his barnyard composition. But he meets Jared Harris as Urbani, wearing a black cape with red accents, he looks and feels like the dEVIL. He makes a pact with Paganini, he will serve him and help make him famous if he will agree to serve Urbani after he dies. (In a later scene Urbani says he is not the dEVIL but works for him.) The other nice touch is young American operatic singer Andrea Deck as Charlotte Watson, the young lady Paganini falls in love with in London as he stays as her father's house guest.I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, especially the music. There is a great lull as the story is established, up until about 54 minutes, but then there is a great scene where Paganini is in a hostile pub in London, then he mesmerizes everyone with his playing. Then around 1:12 to around 1:24 more music at the concert in London.I know this is a fictional story built on the real Paganini, but it is a great glimpse into who this violin master might have been.

nash@iit.edu They took the work of a genius and turned it into a mediocre movie. Bad acting particularly by the Paganini character with his cringe making, bland American accent. The writing and direction were just plain awful, I have seen better 30 second advertisements. If you enjoy the music of Paganini this movie is something to avoid. Some musical moments, mostly singing appeared as rays of sunshine through an overclouded sky. The characters were entirely one dimensional and quite unbelievable with poor acting and dreadful dialogue. No surprise then that the director was also the writer, and I will avoid any work of his I come across. Needless to say, any similarity between Paganini's life and this movie is purely coincidental. Even as just entertainment this is a boring, clichéd movie-don't waste your time watching.

Stefani Barwick *Possible Spoiler Alert!!*I happened by this film on accident while going through lists of movies. I'd heard Niccolo Paganini's compositions in the past and figured I'd give the film a try. MAGNIFICENT! The actors in this portrayed their parts with such passion and delicacy. The music is heavenly.. Takes your soul on a journey. If you're a fan of classical music, dramatic movies, and immense feels, then this is definitely a film you should watch. I do believe I'll watch it again soon. The tricky Devil was a character who will play with your mind over and over. Betrayal and heartbreak was woven into this film as well, as you see with many dramas. Absolutely perfect. Must find it on DVD.

kosmasp This can be seen as a parable, as a story that does ring true for any artist. Being good at something might not be enough. You might need a little help to push you over a certain edge/line, to become what you always dreamt you can (or could) be. Or main character is not exactly someone we might fall in love in (not sexually that is, just liking him is proving difficult most of the time).But there are reasons he acts (plays) the way he does. There is certain downfalls that befall a person that is easily deceived. Or had a certain tendency to be too full of themselves. Of course there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. The question is if one can reach that end of the tunnel ... A nice movie that could have tried to tell a bit more, than it actually does. As it is, it's a decent movie with fine performances.